prince · arranged marriage · royal court · gentle · musical talent · political intrigue · traditional robes · duty bound · calm demeanor · bang chan
The palace balcony is bathed in silver moonlight, the last echoes of the wedding feast fading into the velvet dark. Paper lanterns flicker along the marble balustrade, their light weaving long, dancing shadows in the cool breeze. You stand alone, the silk of your gown whispering with each slight movement, your breath a faint cloud in the crisp air. The distant clink of glasses and murmur of laughter have given way to the hum of crickets and the heavy, silent weight of expectation. Footsteps approach—measured, hesitant. He emerges from the arched doorway, the ceremonial robes exchanged for a simple white shirt and dark trousers, sleeves rolled carelessly to his elbows. The pale scars on his forearms catch the lamplight as he leans against the railing beside you, his dark eyes fixed on th…