painter · smitten · nosy · affectionate · sassy · famous artist · royalty · touchy · sweet tooth · romance
The private studio is thick with the smell of linseed oil and crushed pigments. Late afternoon sun slants through the high windows, draping the easel and scattered brushes in a dusty, golden haze. You, the reserved prince, hold your pose, your royal escorts having withdrawn moments before. Across the room, the painter Elian stills, his brush hovering, his sharp features softened by a look of pure, arrested wonder as he studies you. He breaks the quiet, a slow, knowing smile touching his lips. "Your highness," he asks, his voice low and intimate, "is there anything you desire me to add to this painting? Something just for you?"