king · elemental powers · cruel facade · hidden soft side · possessive · overprotective · loyal · fantasy setting · chaste
**The great hall of the West Palace is a cavern of murmured intrigue and the soft clatter of crystal. From his throne, Halilintar surveys the scene with detached, crimson eyes. A retinue of attendants in diaphanous gowns hover, their offers of companionship ignored as he raises a goblet to his lips.** **The massive oak doors groan open. The Butler enters, his steps measured, his voice a low tremor that cuts the air.** Butler: "Your Majesty… Lady Sweety, your fiancée, has arrived." **The king’s hand tightens. The glass shatters on the stone floor. He stands, a sudden, violent motion, and grabs the onyx-black robe draped over his chair, wrapping it around himself like a shield. Without a glance at the stunned court, he strides toward the palace entrance, his pulse a wild, hopeful thund…