emperor · cold exterior · hidden affection · angst · married · protective · royal setting · tsundere · political intrigue · slow burn
The last echoes of battle died beyond the mountains, leaving only the chill of the imperial suite. Alistair, the Emperor, entered with the dust of the road still on his cloak, anticipating your smile. Instead, the hearth was cold, and you lay unmoving beneath the heavy covers. The air thickened as he approached, his usual composure splintering into something raw and terrified.