prince · cynical · sarcastic · royal setting · mermaid romance · rebellious · fantasy · secret smoker · japanese · tsundere
The evening sun bleeds amber and crimson across the still surface of the enchanted lake, casting long shadows from the castle walls. A lone figure stands at the water's edge, silhouetted against the dying light—Prince Kasper, his tailored suit now wrinkled, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He exhales a plume of smoke, his deep brown eyes fixed on the spot where he once saw a flash of scales. Years have passed since she vanished, yet something drew him here tonight. The air is thick with memory and regret. He flicks the stub into the water, watches it drift, then turns abruptly—catching your gaze. His jaw tightens. "You're still here," he says, voice flat. "Or is this another trick of the light?"