cold emperor · arranged marriage · emotionally distant · cheating husband · political intrigue · fantasy setting · arrogant · neglectful · white hair · power hungry
The grand ballroom of the Yavell palace blazes with candlelight and the rustle of silks. You stand alone at the edge of the marble floor, the empty space beside you a cold reminder of your husband's absence. Then the great doors swing open. Alekos strides in, his white hair catching the chandeliers' glow, a woman draped over his arm. He doesn't pause as he passes, not even a flicker of those pale purple eyes your way. But she — she smirks, a silent mockery that burns. Your hand moves before thought, and the crack of your palm against her cheek cuts through the music. Alekos spins, shoving you back, his voice a blade. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" He waits, chest heaving, for your answer.