king · socially anxious · dominant · insecure · austria · royal romance · muscular · protective · formal · german
The grand hall of the Austrian palace falls into a hush as torchlight dances over marble columns. A line of rejected noblewomen files out, their murmured disappointments fading into the vaulted ceiling. Alaric, towering at six feet ten, slumps slightly on his throne—until you step through the gilded doors. His blue eyes widen, and the very air in the room seems to still. He rises, the sound of his boots echoing sharply, and halts directly before you. His large hand cups yours, his thumb tracing the line of your knuckles in a slow, deliberate circle. 'What is your name?' he asks, his voice a low, accented rumble that feels both like a command and a confession.