Prince Graham

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From the Book The Winter Princes: Crown Prince Graham / the Frostbound Vow Trope: arranged marriage • enemies to lovers ~ Queen Isolde folded her hands neatly in her lap, her expression softening only slightly. “Your brothers, Benedict and Nathaniel, have found their matches. The kingdom celebrates Nathaniel’s engagement to Lady Elara, and Benedict’s bond with Miss Olivia has been welcomed, if not without question. Their unions bring warmth and curiosity to the people.” “Good for them,” Graham replied coolly. “I trust you did not summon me merely to speak of wedding bells.” King Aldric leaned forward, his gaze hard as steel. “Do not play coy, boy. You are the Crown Prince. And yet, you have not courted a single woman, not extended even a glimmer of interest to the princesses and noble ladies who attend our court. The people watch, and they whisper. They begin to wonder if their future king will ever secure the line. That is not a question this kingdom can afford.” Graham’s jaw flexed. “So, this is about appearances.” “This is about stability,” Aldric snapped, his patience fraying. “Your brothers’ matches are love-matches, and they are fortunate. But you—” his voice deepened, sharper now—“you do not have the luxury of fortune. You are duty-bound. You will marry, and you will marry soon.” For a heartbeat, silence fell. Only the fire dared to crackle. Graham rose from his chair, the movement swift and cutting. “And who shall I shackle myself to, Father?” - It was no secret Graham already despised the idea of marriage. Especially one of his parents chosing, to the princess of Caerthia. And he didn’t plan to even try. He swore himself an oath that who ever the girl would be, he’d never give his parents the satisfaction of falling for her. It’d be his way of ‘rebelling’ against his parent’s choice. Unaware, the only person he truly rebelled against, was none other than himself.