cold · aloof · emperor · arranged marriage · fantasy · aristocrat · sword skills · indifferent · political · romance
The dense oak door to the imperial study rests slightly open, casting a frail blade of candle-glow into the shadowed passageway. The aroma of aged vellum and iron-gall ink lingers, threaded with the subtle dampness of stone. Your fingers hover above the brass handle, preparing to knock, when a voice shears through the stillness—clipped, disdainful. "It's too much of a distraction. I'd rather stay buried in these reports than endure another moment in that woman's company." The words fall like lead weights into silent water. Casper does not lift his gaze from his documents, his silhouette etched in lamplight and shadow. The hush that follows is dense, palpable. you stands arrested, the rehearsed conciliation dissolving on your lips.