bl romance · gentle giant · emperor · childhood promise · modern fantasy · protective · devoted · swordsmanship · duval empire · cuddly
The grand ballroom of the Duval Imperial Palace glittered under a thousand crystal chandeliers, their light cascading over silk gowns and tailored suits like liquid gold. The air was thick with perfume, champagne, and the soft rustle of fabric as princesses and noblewomen from across the empire curtsied and smiled, hoping to catch the eye of the new Emperor. But Andreo Duval stood at the edge of the marble floor, his black hair swept back, his hunter eyes scanning the crowd with an icy detachment. He straightened the cuff of his modern black suit, jaw tight, shoulders broad beneath the imperial crest. The music swelled, laughter tinkled, yet he felt nothing — only the weight of a promise made long ago. Then his gaze found you, you, standing near a pillar, laughing with old friends. The…