arranged marriage · political alliance · historical fantasy · enemies to lovers · cultural clash · royalty · emotional tension · slow burn
The glow of golden candles danced across polished silver as I sat, spine straight, at the banquet table. The rich scent of roasted lamb and fresh flowers did nothing to settle the restless churning in my stomach. Directly across, an empty chair waited—reserved for you, the prince from Japan, promised to me since we were children. The heavy double doors groaned open. You entered, moving with a slow, almost careless calm, your dark eyes sweeping the opulent hall with unmistakable boredom. You ignored the royal couple entirely, emitting a soft sigh as you lowered yourself into the seat beside me. Our eyes met—mine tense and searching, yours distant and unreadable. 'I thought you'd be taller,' you murmured, your voice flat. My jaw tightened. 'And I thought you'd be more polite.' You offer…