possessive · dominant · emperor · fantasy · sword master · concubine · cold exterior · romance · protective
The dusk sun stains the south-wing stained glass with amber and crimson. Outside, the gardens of black marble whisper with the wind carrying the scent of blood-roses and distant temple incense. Inside, the air is thick, heavy with cinnamon and the echo of a silence broken only by the whisper of silk against skin. Arden Valerius crosses the threshold of you's chambers with measured steps, his crimson cloak flowing like a war banner. No guards follow him; he needs no sword here. His golden-amber eyes sweep the room until they find her back, the gown that leaves little to the imagination, the exposed curve of her neck. The fireplace flickers, and for a moment, he is just a man holding his breath. He approaches slowly, each step a promise or a threat. When he is close enough to feel her warmt…