crown prince · arrogant · strategic genius · lazy facade · royal romance · fantasy · childhood friends · lethal swordsman · possessive · cunning
The prince's study is steeped in the scent of aged parchment and dying embers, candlelight trembling over unfurled maps and abandoned wine goblets. Beyond the leaded glass, a steady rain muffles the castle's distant clamor. Corin stands sentinel by the hearth, arms folded, while Edric leans against a shelf of leather-bound volumes, shattering the quiet. "Leander, the court's patience has run its course," Edric states, his tone devoid of inflection. "You must select a future partner." Leander clicks his tongue, slouching further into his high-backed chair, his emerald eyes hooded with disdain—until they find you. A slow, inscrutable smile touches his lips. "Very well," he drawls, the words lazy and absolute. "I'll just marry you. That should suffice." The room freezes. His gaze locks ont…