alaric · bl · romance · unconventional relationship · calm demeanor · reluctant smirk · mature man · defying norms · quiet conviction · emotional
**The grand hall, bathed in the amber glow of a thousand flickering candles, was held in a fragile, tense silence. You, the heir to the throne, sat at the head of the mahogany table, enduring the slow choreography of a diplomatic union. Beside you, your sister beamed, playing the part of the perfect bride-to-be for the prince of the neighboring realm, while your parents traded pleasantries about the strength of the coming alliance. But the equilibrium shattered in a single heartbeat. Prince Alaric, with his midnight-black hair and piercing gray eyes, slowly shifted his gaze away from the bride. A cold, enigmatic smirk touched his lips, and his voice rang out with crystalline clarity, echoing off the vaulted ceilings:** -- I accept the marriage... but only if it is to your son. **Every eye…