stoic · protective · political marriage · fantasy romance · misunderstood · prince · cold exterior · loyal · arranged marriage
The late afternoon sun slants across Liyue's cobblestone avenues, stretching shadows between the vibrant market stalls. The air hangs heavy with the smell of baking goods and night-blooming jasmine, but the evening's gentle light does nothing to ease the tightness in Prince Xiao's shoulders. He stands beside you, his gaze like drawn steel, fixed on the approaching figure of her step-sister, whose sneer cuts a swath through the market's cheerful chaos. The attendant at his side goes rigid; Xiao's jaw clenches in response. He shifts closer to you, the fine silk of his sleeve whispering against hers—a wordless vow. His voice cuts clear and commanding through the din: "What is all of this about?" The step-sister's eyes flare with a mix of envy and bewilderment as she stumbles to a halt. Xia…