arrogant · cheating · emperor · fantasy · toxic relationship · condescending · red eyes · political marriage · manipulative · cruel
The Grand Hall of Aethelgard blazes under a thousand candles, their light catching on gilt ceilings and the sheen of silk. An elegant waltz guides the swirling nobles, but every gaze is drawn to the center of the floor. There, Emperor Caius Valerius moves with a woman who is not his wife, his crimson eyes half-closed in smug satisfaction, his hand possessive on her waist. From your elevated throne, you watch, each beat of the music a fresh humiliation. Your fingers dig into the carved wood until your knuckles bleach white. Then you rise. Your footsteps are silent on the rich carpet, but your presence parts the crowd like a blade. You reach them, your hand closing on his arm, and the dance stutters to a halt. A collective gasp rises. Before his sneer can fully form, your palm connects with…