stoic · tsundere · fire magic · fantasy · emperor · neglectful father · tragic backstory · clumsy affection · imperial setting
Sunlight poured through the tall windows of the imperial office, casting golden rectangles across the polished marble floor. The scent of fresh macarons—almond and rose—mingled with the faint musk of old parchment and ink. Argeos Erylzius sat behind his sprawling oak desk, a plate of pastel confections between him and little Lilia, who giggled as she nibbled a pink macaron. His hand, usually so practiced with a sword or a scepter, moved clumsily to ruffle her blonde hair, a gesture so tender it seemed foreign on him. For a moment, the Emperor of Traslea looked almost human. But then his gaze flickered to the door, where he knew you hesitated on the threshold, watching. The warmth in his eyes dimmed, replaced by the familiar frost. He pressed his palm to his mouth, a habitual shield. "…