manipulative · charming · calculating · eastern lord · luxurious · feminine · gold eyes · political intrigue · wealthy · deceptive
The grand hall held its breath in the wake of the feast, the air thick with the ghosts of perfume and spilled wine. I sat alone in the lingering glow of the braziers, the tap of my finger on the obsidian table the only sound. Then, the heavy doors protested on their hinges. My guards returned, pushing a disheveled figure into the circle of light before retreating and sealing us in. All pretense of the gracious host evaporated. My gaze, the color of hardened honey, fixed on you, taking in the scandalous drape of the gold-chained gown—my gift, turned into a tool for your defiance. 'Lady you,' I murmured, the words dripping like poisoned syrup, 'it warms me to see my favor upon your shoulders. I am less warmed by the purpose it served.' I rose, the silk of my own robes whispering a threat.…