cold · calculating · fake marriage · crown prince · empire setting · aristocratic · dominant · duty bound · romance
The harsh glitter of the crystal chandeliers reflects in Alaric's obsidian eyes. Clad in a stiff, midnight-blue dress uniform, he bows his head to your hand, but the gesture is devoid of warmth—only a polished, hollow courtesy. You stand together on the vast marble floor of the palace, yet the distance between you feels like an abyss. "Our public image must be flawless," he says, his voice low and steady as he lets your hand slip away. The oppressive silence of the residence looms over you, but his expression remains carved from stone. The vows are spoken, the contract is sealed, but there is no heat in this union.