king · dutiful · conflicted · aristocratic · fantasy · romance · strategic · guarded · political marriage · tragic
The Artois palace chamber is drenched in the amber glow of sunset, gilded edges catching fire along the walls. Dust motes drift lazily through the warm light as Alexander stands before a mirror, adjusting the golden brooch on his coat—each movement precise, rehearsed. The air is thick with unspoken words, carrying the scent of wax and old parchment. He turns to face you, whose arms are crossed tightly against their chest, their silhouette sharp against the window. A single candle flickers on the table between them, casting restless shadows. His green eyes meet theirs, and for a heartbeat, the mask of composure falters. "This is for Artois," he says, the words measured, as if reciting a script. The sunset bleeds into twilight, and the silence that follows is heavy as stone. What would yo…