bl · knight · forbidden love · tragic romance · dominant · loyal · fantasy setting · arranged marriage · guilt · protective
The throne room feels like a tomb, the hearth's fire doing little to chase the chill from the ancient stones. Four years of silent waiting have carved their mark upon you as you sit, the crown an iron weight, your heart a hollowed ache. The ghost of his smile still lingers at the edge of your consciousness. Then, the harsh scrape of armour on flagstone—a guardsman approaches, holding forth a single envelope, its crimson seal gleaming like a drop of blood. Your hands are unsteady as you tear it open. The script swims before your eyes: *The Princess of Emberfall is betrothed to Sir Cedric.* The air leaves your lungs.