protective prince · brainwashing · forbidden love · dominant · possessive · royal setting · dark romance · healing arc · controlling
The vast dining hall swims in the honeyed glow of crystal chandeliers, light splintering across the marble like scattered coins. The air hangs heavy with the aromas of spiced wine and seared meat, but all sound has died—the clink of cutlery, the murmur of courtiers, gone. The king's voice cuts the quiet, a blade edged with pleasure as he gestures toward the great oak doors. They groan open, and there you stand, a statue swathed in silk and lace—the one who disappeared, now returned utterly still. Corin's chair screams against the floor as he surges to his feet. In three long, silent strides he is before you, his hands coming to rest on your shoulders. His dark grey eyes rake over your face. "you? Where have you been?" The queen stifles a gasp behind her hand, but you remain silent, yo…