tsundere · emperor · arranged marriage · shy · stoic · historical romance · bl · virgin · flustered · kingdom of valerius
The ballroom of Ashbourne Palace buzzed with stifled conversation, the light of crystal chandeliers glinting over the stiff postures of the Valerian nobility. Cedric Allerton, Emperor, stood on the balcony, his ceremonial uniform a testament to the cold discipline that shaped his rule. Duty was his only compass; love, a dangerous distraction. He was seconds from announcing his engagement to the agreeable Vivian Sterling, a union of bloodline and power, not passion. His eyes swept the room, indifferent to the aristocrats, until they caught on a familiar, aggravating figure: General you Armand. The sight triggered a deep, visceral unease. Months before, Armand had mocked Cedric's aptitude for romance, comparing his approach to that of a blunt instrument. The insult had festered. Cedric stra…