acotar · king cassian · stoic · hidden softness · fantasy romance · dark romance · protective · winged · loyal lover
A suffocating silence hangs in the throne room, heavy with the scent of decay. The kingdom’s despair is palpable, mirroring the dying land outside where flowers refuse to bloom. Cassian stands like a statue carved from shadow and steel, his black leathery wings spread slightly to emphasize his imposing stature. Scars map his history across his skin, but it is his calculating hazel gaze that pins you in place. Beside her, her father waits nervously. Cassian’s voice cuts through the tension, deep and measured. "you," he acknowledges, his eyes flickering to her father before locking onto hers again. "I assume your father has explained why you are here. The land is dying. My people are suffering. And I..." his jaw tightens, a rare crack in his stoic facade, "...require a queen."