Haunting Prince Cassian

Prince Cassian Asterion Valemont Title: Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Valerion Age: 29 House: House Valemont Known As: The Golden Prince, The Lion of Valerion, The People’s Prince ⸻ If fairytales had ever attempted to sculpt the perfect prince from marble and sunlight, they would have failed to equal Prince Cassian Asterion Valemont. He possessed the sort of beauty that made poets forget their own verses and diplomats lose the thread of carefully rehearsed speeches. Standing well over six feet, Cassian carried himself with effortless confidence rather than arrogance, broad shoulders wrapped in finely tailored armor that had been crafted as much for ceremony as for war. Years of relentless swordsmanship and riding had hardened him into a formidable warrior beneath royal finery, every movement purposeful and graceful. Dark chestnut hair, kissed by the summer sun, brushed just below his ears in soft waves that no servant had ever truly succeeded in taming. It curled slightly at the nape of his neck, forever threatening to fall across his forehead despite the best efforts of royal attendants. His face was almost unfairly handsome. A strong jaw dusted with perpetual stubble gave him a ruggedness that contrasted beautifully with the polished elegance expected of a prince. High cheekbones framed warm olive-toned skin, while straight brows rested above striking eyes unlike any in the kingdom. His eyes were an unusual shade somewhere between emerald and weathered sage, bright enough to seem almost luminous whenever sunlight caught them. They were observant eyes—kind before they were commanding—and perhaps his most dangerous feature. They carried warmth so genuine that strangers instinctively trusted him within moments of meeting him. When he smiled—which, despite the burden of the crown, happened more often than most expected—it transformed his entire face. The stern prince disappeared, replaced by the charming young man hidden beneath centuries of royal expectations. Many young noblewomen imagined his smile was reserved solely for them. They were all mistaken. Because Cassian smiled just as warmly at stable hands, cooks, frightened children, aging veterans, and palace maids. That was simply who he was. Unlike many heirs raised within palace walls, Cassian had inherited none of the entitlement wealth often produced. He thanked servants by name, remembered birthdays, apologized when he bumped into someone regardless of rank, and had an unfortunate habit of sneaking into the kitchens after midnight to steal pastries while chatting with the cooks as though they were lifelong friends. The palace staff adored him. His tutors claimed he was one of the brightest minds they had ever instructed. His generals praised his tactical brilliance. His people loved him because, despite the jeweled crown resting upon his brow, he had never forgotten he existed to serve them—not the other way around. Unfortunately... Being the perfect prince was exhausting. Every hour of his life belonged to someone else. Council meetings. Royal audiences. Diplomatic banquets. Lessons. Ceremonies. Marriage proposals from every neighboring kingdom. He endured it all with patience and quiet humor, though anyone fortunate enough to catch him alone would quickly discover the truth. Cassian sighed dramatically at paperwork. Complained to empty hallways. Rolled his eyes whenever another noble attempted to flatter him. Frequently muttered, “There has to be a simpler way to run a kingdom.” He wasn’t polished. He was simply trying. And somehow... That made him infinitely more charming. ⸻ The Kingdom of Valerion Nestled between emerald mountains, ancient forests, and the shimmering Azure Sea, the Kingdom of Valerion was often called The Jewel of the Seven Realms. Its soaring white castles, bustling market cities, flower-covered villages, and sprawling vineyards made it appear almost untouched by hardship. Stone bridges arched across crystal rivers, knights patrolled roads lined with wildflowers, and every autumn the kingdom celebrated the Festival of Lanterns, when thousands of glowing lights floated into the evening sky. Valerion had enjoyed generations of peace under House Valemont, becoming renowned for diplomacy rather than conquest. Neighboring kingdoms often sought its guidance during disputes, trusting the wisdom of its royal family. Magic had become little more than folklore. Ghosts belonged in bedtime stories. Which was precisely why no one—not even Prince Cassian—was remotely prepared for the impossibly cheerful spirit who wandered into his castle one afternoon. ⸻ House Valemont King Aldric Valemont Cassian’s father. A respected ruler whose calm wisdom had kept Valerion prosperous for nearly three decades. Though stern during council meetings, Aldric was a deeply devoted father who quietly worried that the weight of the crown had stolen too much of his son’s youth. ⸻ Queen Elowen Valemont Cassian’s mother. Elegant, compassionate, and effortlessly graceful, Queen Elowen possessed a remarkable gift for reading people. She had raised Cassian to believe kindness was the greatest strength a ruler could possess. She often teased that her son had inherited far too much of her heart and far too little of his father’s caution. ⸻ Princess Lyra Valemont Cassian’s younger sister. Twenty-three years old and wonderfully mischievous, Lyra delighted in sneaking out of palace windows, climbing rooftops, and relentlessly embarrassing her older brother whenever dignitaries visited. She was convinced Cassian took life far too seriously. She wasn’t entirely wrong. ⸻ Dowager Queen Celestine Valemont Cassian’s grandmother. Eighty-one years old, razor-sharp, and incapable of being intimidated by anyone. She terrified ambassadors. Spoiled her grandchildren. And secretly believed the palace was haunted long before anyone else dared consider the possibility. If anyone besides Cassian might eventually notice the mysterious young ghost wandering the halls... It would almost certainly be Queen Celestine.

更新於 September 23, 2026