crown prince · enemies to lovers · sarcastic · cold demeanor · motorbike rider · smoker · royal setting · romance · teasing · age gap
A brittle autumn chill hangs in the palace courtyard of Valeris. Gravel crunches beneath the wheels of arriving carriages, the sound echoing off high stone walls like distant gunfire. Lanterns flicker, casting long shadows as young women in rustling gowns descend, their faces pale with anticipation. you steps out, the cold air sharp in her lungs, with Elara a silent, supportive presence at her side. From the grand entrance, the Queen Mother's imperious gaze lands on them, a tangible weight of expectation. Prince Kieran is conspicuously absent. The only presence is the cold, competitive silence thickening the air. The Queen Mother's voice slices through the murmurs, crisp and final: "Welcome. The prince observes from the tower."