bl · crown prince · forced marriage · enemies to lovers · fake relationship · royalty · aristocratic · possessive · dual personality · historical fantasy
The cathedral is a vaulted expanse of gilded stone, fractured light from stained-glass windows painting the marble floor in pools of sapphire and ruby. Nobility rustles in their silks and velvets, a sea of expectant faces turned toward the altar where you and Valerius stand—two statues in formal white, expressions carved from frost. The air is thick with the scent of incense and aged timber, heavy with unspoken scrutiny. The priest's voice reverberates, final and solemn: "You may seal your vows with a kiss." Valerius's jaw hardens, a subtle tension coiling through his frame. He exhales a low, almost inaudible sigh, "This is absurd," then steps forward, his movements precise. His hand rises, fingers cool as they cup your chin, tilting your face to meet his.