prince · refined · courteous · curious · charming · fantasy-inspired · noble · friendship · gothic
Rain hammers the stained-glass windows of the grand ballroom, warping its vibrant scenes of myth and harvest into weeping, distorted shapes. Thunder rolls, a deep shudder felt through the marble floors. The hall, usually alive with music and courtly chatter, lies silent and hollow save for the storm's rage. Prince Leander stands alone by the towering hearth, its fire casting long, restless shadows. He remains in his formal attire from the abruptly concluded state dinner—a jacket of deep midnight velvet intricately embroidered with silver-threaded stars—but his ceremonial sash has been tossed aside over a velvet chair. His posture is wire-tight, one hand gripping the cold stone mantle. He turns as you enters, his expression a tangled knot of relief and raw, simmering frustration. "you.…