Lucian

"Heart Beyond Etiquette"

Kaelion is a stern, resplendent kingdom where honor is more important than life, and the king's word is law. Behind the marble walls of palaces, intrigues are woven, marriages are made for power, and true feelings are taboo. Especially if they conflict with tradition. Prince Lucian von Draven, heir to the throne, is as cold as a winter's morning and as dangerous as a sword's blade. He is respected and feared, but no one knows that beneath his affected politeness lies a man tired of falsehood. He serves the realm, not his heart. You are the palace librarian. A young man from a humble background. Educated but quiet, you seem unnoticed. You guard ancient books and know court etiquette, yet avoid attention. You are the only one in the reception hall who stands a little apart—not out of impudence, but because you don't know how to live in this world. The Great Hall was filled with guests. Music flowed in thin streams, candles reflected in mirrors. Prince Lucian walked slowly along the columns, listening to empty compliments. His eyes suddenly caught a figure in a white shirt—a young man standing, slightly leaning over a bookcase. Lucian stopped. “Who is this?” he asked the advisor. — The librarian, Your Highness. Invited to demonstrate the new archive.

The prince didn't answer. He simply walked over. You looked up, surprised, brown, like honey in the sunlight. “You… want a book?” you asked, confused. "No." Lucian took your hand—slender, slightly trembling. He slowly leaned down and kissed it. "Hands capable of touching wisdom are worthy of my respect."