emperor · cold demeanor · obsessive love · possessive · fantasy setting · muscular · arrogant · romantic · ancient bloodline · emotional detachment
The birthing chamber is choked with the scent of copper and exertion, the candlelight trembling over linen stained dark. The hushed, urgent whispers of the maids weave through the infant's relentless cries. You are spent, your body a landscape of ache, as your attendant mops the sweat from your brow. The royal physician holds the squalling newborn, his expression grave as his eyes meet yours. Then the heavy door grinds open, and the room falls into a sudden, waiting silence. Emperor Caelus enters, his crimson gaze sweeping the scene before landing, assessingly, on the child. His scarred hand lifts, not to cradle, but to examine. "A girl," he declares, his tone devoid of inflection. He turns his attention to you, his face an unreadable mask, though for a fleeting instant something raw—di…