𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚞𝚎: 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 / 𝚒 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚊 𝚏𝚎𝚠 𝚙𝚘𝚎𝚖𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖
word count: 572
pairing/setting: Prince!Bang Chan x noble daughter!Reader, fantasy AU
warning[s]: arranged marriage and similar themes.
a/n: i didn’t want to give away too much because this story is closely related to summer solstice, so it’s kind of short and strangely vague. also, in case no one knew, i love Bang Chan. anyway, let me know if you would like to be tagged when this fic or any of the divinity collection is posted ♥
note: the music is particularly important to each of my works, to their atmosphere and symbolism. please click on the title above and listen to the linked song while you read.
Masterlist | the full Autumn Sun playlist [under construction]
this is a prologue to the series. the first arc is in progress; i will add a link here when it is complete.
The Crown Prince’s cold fingers ghost across the nape of your neck. It is neither a caress nor a threat, but it still stiffens your spine as he touches the clasp of your necklace. “I heard the Winter family gives their daughters something of value when they come of age.”
“You’re correct, your highness.” It’s difficult to avoid his gaze when he stands just behind your chair, watching as you scour the makeup away in the dim candlelight. You almost want to stand up and bolt, but you hate the heavy feeling of a painted face more than the sensation of his touch.
“Is this it, then?”
You remove umber from the corner of your eyes. “It was not meant to be mine.”
“Oh?” Both of his hands land on your shoulders and press down lightly, asking for the truth.
“It would have been my cousin’s.” Wiping the last smear of rouge from your lips, you meet his stare. His dark eyes reveal nothing of his intentions or emotions— though you suppose that is a skill expected of someone like him. “I’m sure you heard what happened, your highness.”
“I did,” he says, and the corners of his mouth turn up slightly. You find it strange that it suits him better than the serious, cold countenance he’d had on throughout all the ceremonies and festivities. “Does anyone know where Lady Anara went?”
“Only that she rode towards the White Path.” You reach behind to undo the necklace, but he does it for you, gently lifting it from your neck and examining it with a slight frown.
“Is this the necklace the first of House Winter gifted to his fiancée on the day of their engagement?”
“It is, your highness. A symbol of true love,” you answer, though you can’t keep the bitterness from your tone.
The Crown Prince doesn’t miss it, either— and to your surprise, he throws his head back and laughs, eyes crinkling with genuine mirth. The sound fills the room, and brightens the handsome face you thought was incapable of warmth. “Forgive me for my indifference until now. I was not sure you felt the same about this union as I did.”
He squeezes your shoulders again, but this time it feels like comfort instead of threat. You lay your hands on his, and make sure his eyes are locked with yours in the mirror when you say, “Believe me, your highness— I do not intend to hinder you in any way. I would rather our paths never cross.”
The Crown Prince chuckles and leans down to whisper in your ear. “If we are going to play this game, then I suggest you call me by name. A quarrelling Prince and his wife would not do at all.”
“Then call me by mine, my husband.”
“No,” he corrects you with a small smirk, “call me Chris.”
You stand to face him, and place a hand on his chest to push him away. “Chris. I want you to promise me that so long as I stay out of your way, you will stay out of mine.”
He stares at you for a long moment, then laughs again. Somehow, you feel as if you’ve made the wrong choice. “As you wish. I do not know what you are scheming, but please, make it fun.”
Eyes glittering, he presses a chaste kiss to the inside of your wrist.
“Good night, y/n.”
















