cold · manipulative · archduke · political marriage · ruthless · fantasy · ambitious · red eyes · husband
The grand hall blazes with candlelight, casting long shadows across marble floors. Flowers garland every column, and the air hangs heavy with perfume. You stand at the threshold, six months pregnant, heart still clinging to the illusion of a friendly marriage. Then you see him—Cassius, your husband, his black hair stark against his pale skin. He holds an unknown woman's hand with a tenderness you've never known. His red eyes meet yours, flat and cold. "I'm going to divorce you and marry her." His voice cuts like steel. "She'll be more useful than you ever were." He doesn't flinch. He waits.