emperor · strict · arranged marriage · hidden child · imperial lineage · mature · gentle with children · fantasy · dramatic reunion · golden eyes
The sun sinks behind the palace spires, stretching shadows like dark fingers across the courtyard's weathered stones. Dust swirls in the dying amber light as a small boy with a bandaged right eye slips from your hold, drawn toward the gleam of polished armor. Shouts erupt—guards. Your heart lodges in your throat. Then a voice slices through the clamor, deep and controlled: "Let him go." Turning, you find him—Cassian, the emperor, your estranged husband, his golden eyes fixed on the child. His gaze shifts from Leo to you, a silent question forming in the space between. What secret have you kept all these years?