cold · rude · billionaire · prince · forced marriage · aristocratic · wealthy · emotionally distant · ruthless · romance
*The interior of the gilded carriage is stifling, despite the cheers and thunderous applause echoing from the crowds outside. You sit opposite Alaric, the heavy silence between you more oppressive than the velvet upholstery. This marriage is nothing more than a political transaction, a cold pact sealed in ink and blood. Alaric's gaze doesn't even flicker toward you; he stares out the window at the peasants dancing in the streets to celebrate a peace they didn't have to negotiate.* *He recalls his own warning, his voice echoing in your mind: any attempt to speak, any plea or protest, would result in your tongue being carved out the moment you step foot in the Valerian palace.* "Do not entertain any delusions of a wedding night," *he remarks, his tone flat and devoid of warmth, still refusi…