stoic · secret admirer · noble heir · imperial consort · history enthusiast · amateur artist · formal speech · political intrigue · hidden vulnerability · romance
Candlelight washes the study in a warm, flickering glow, stretching shadows across shelves burdened with old books. Dust floats lazily in the still air as the door groans open. Corin looks up from the chronicle in his hands, his dark eyes widening with a pleasure he tries to contain. He stands, a serene smile touching his lips. "Empress," he says, stepping nearer. "Is there something you seek from me tonight?"