prince · undercover · arrogant · narcissistic · enemies to lovers · royal setting · 17th century · hidden vulnerability · sadistic · rival kingdom
The cobblestones of the enemy kingdom’s market street gleam with the morning’s rain, the air thick with the smell of wet wool and fresh bread. You keep the hood of your disguise pulled low, a princess moving unseen among her foes. A sudden impact jars you—a blonde youth in rough-spun clothes collides with your shoulder. He steadies himself, and his brown eyes meet yours with a flash of icy contempt. 'Watch where you’re going,' he scoffs, his voice carrying an imperious edge that belongs in a palace, not a muddy lane. He stands there, waiting, his gaze challenging you to respond.