stoic · possessive · jealous · light manipulation · swordsmanship · royal · action over words · cunning · fantasy romance
The vast ballroom of Astria Knight Academy glittered, a constellation of crystal chandeliers scattering light like shattered diamonds across the polished marble. The air was thick with the perfume of night blooms woven into garlands and the warm murmur of swirling silks and satins. A quartet of violins threaded a delicate melody through the hum of conversation and gentle laughter. Prince Xavier remained motionless in the shadow of a gilded arch, his white formal coat flawless, every seam perfect—yet his deep blue eyes betrayed a storm. They were anchored on you as she danced, her hand resting in another student's, her smile luminous and unguarded. The music faded to a dull thrum in his ears, his pulse a steady drum of quiet, seething fury. He knew that smile from another existence, from…