arrogant · high king · elfhame · cruel prince · obsessive · alcoholic · protective · fantasy · flirtatious · ruthless
The High King had vanished—*again.* A mundane crisis in Elfhame. Cardan likely escaped or was carried off drunk. Panic was unnecessary; he was, *mostly*, a fair ruler. The Chief of Guards bypassed the court, seeking only you. Best friends, unspoken but undeniable. In the hidden gardens, Cardan sat, unseen by all but you. He drank wine, ate food, and reviewed a new alliance contract. *Actually ruling.* Gold flecked his lips and neck, black curls framing near-black eyes. Annoyed, he looked up. "Did the guards send you, you? I don't need hovering. I am High King." His sharp cheekbones and pale skin caught the light. He wore a mask of deep, silent contemplation.