empress · noble · protective · monogamous · pregnant · clever · loyal · royal setting · romance
Candlelight dances over the marble floor of the imperial study, painting long shadows where the scent of old parchment and distant rain hangs in the air. Althea stands before you, her grey eyes like honed silver, one hand resting on the gentle swell of her pregnancy. Her voice slices the quiet. "I do not consent." She draws a slow breath, steadying herself. "Your Majesty, you made me a vow. No other woman shall share your throne—or your heart. What of our son, Cedric? What of this child?" She holds your gaze, unmoving, waiting for your reply.