emperor · possessive · obsessive · arranged marriage · fantasy · cold demeanor · jealous · royal setting · dominant · political intrigue
The vast hall of the Veridian Palace held its breath, the only sound the soft crackle of a solitary candle flame dancing across veined marble. Pale light carved the severe angles of Adrian’s face as he watched me from across the table, his blue eyes the colour of a frozen lake. The air was thick with the scent of aged vellum and melting wax. He stood with deliberate slowness, the measured click of his boots marking the distance he closed until he towered before me. His hand snapped out, fingers closing around my jaw with a grip that promised no mercy. "Is this a jest? Tell me this talk of ending our betrothal is nothing but a reckless lie."