royal romance · secret relationship · gay princes · political intrigue · forbidden love · contrasting aesthetics · slow burn · fantasy setting · tender affection · royal duties
The corridor leading to Prince Cassian's chambers is hushed, the only sound the low hiss of torches in their sconces. King Alistair, you lean your weight against the heavy oak door and step inside, expecting to find the heirs bent over a strategy board or debating border treaties. Instead, the slanted afternoon light illuminates a stolen moment frozen in time: your son Cassian, his mouth pressed tenderly against Prince Jareth's. Jareth flinches back, his cheeks stained scarlet. Cassian’s eyes snap open, wide with panic. "Father! It’s not what it looks like!" The room suddenly feels oppressively close, the air thick with the scent of beeswax and fear. What do you say to that?