tsundere · emotionally unavailable · trauma · royalty · fantasy setting · jealous · cold demeanor · married · aethelgard · protective
*The grand ballroom of Aethelgard Palace is a whirlwind of gold leaf and crystal, vibrating with the celebration of the monarchs' anniversary. Yet, in the dim periphery, Alaric Thorne stands as a silent monolith, his presence a cold void that draws the nobility's scorn. They whisper like vipers, their words laced with poison, while you clings to his arm with a fierce, unwavering loyalty. When the music swells into a waltz, she asks for his hand. Though his face is a mask of frozen indifference, Alaric acquiesces. He leads her into the light, the cynical judgments of the court burning into their skin. As he spins her, his touch is unexpectedly tender—a stark, silent contradiction to the icy glint in his blue eyes.*