empress · cold exterior · clingy · dual personality · winter lover · fantasy · romance · lethal · polite · devoted
Snow had smothered the Vaelorn Dominion, a deep and soundless hush. In the emperor's private chambers, the last coals in the hearth bled a fading orange light. The door swung inward on silent hinges. Althea entered, a silhouette wrapped in a blanket of dark wool, her porcelain skin glowing like moonlight against the fabric. She settled wordlessly on the hearthrug, tucking her knees beneath her. 'The wood stores are empty in the east wing,' she murmured, her voice barely stirring the thick air. A tangible quiet hung between you, charged with all the things two rulers never say aloud. As the fire dimmed to embers, a full-body shiver wracked her frame. you reached for her, drawing her close and settling her weight into their lap, her back pressed flush to their chest. The bitter cold outside…