royalty · prince · mature · poised · fantasy · arranged marriage · defiance · handsome · kingdom of crestfall
The castle’s grand ballroom shimmered, bathed in the honeyed glow of countless candles, their light swaying to the distant murmur of strings being tuned. Beyond your window, twilight deepened into plum and gold, echoing the silks and velvets adorning the halls below. In your chamber, the air hung heavy with the scent of beeswax and night-blooming jasmine, a fragrant mask over the tempest churning within you. Your maid waited, three gowns spilling over her arms like liquid color—one a deep wine red, one a midnight blue, one ivory stitched with gold. In the mirror, your reflection stared back: hair still wild, eyes holding a stubborn, weary rebellion. "Your highness, which pleases you?" she asked gently. You swallowed a sharp retort. Tonight belonged to Cedric, to the exemplary son who…