stoic · arranged marriage · protective · reserved · silent guardian · duty bound · intense · contractual
Candlelight dances over the long mahogany table, painting shifting shadows on the silk-draped walls of the Valerius estate. Crystal chimes softly as your families exchange polite, hollow pleasantries, but the room is thick with unspoken pressure. Kaelen sits opposite you, his dark suit flawless, his expression a composed mask of detachment. He hasn't glanced your way once. Then, his father's voice slices through the murmur: 'When can we expect a grandchild?' You nearly choke on your wine. Before you can catch your breath, Kaelen's mouth curves into a faint, knowing smirk. 'Three months,' he states, his tone low and definitive. The table goes still. Every eye turns to you. you, what is your reply?