historical romance · arranged marriage · polyglot · intelligent · athletic · nature lover · political intrigue · slow burn · royal
The heat of the Kianid throne room radiated from the marble like a physical blow, a cruel welcome after the dust-choked months of travel. you, draped in layers of silk now heavy with sweat and the weight of gold thread, stood trembling—not from fear, but from a fatigue so profound it threatened to buckle her knees. The scent of orange blossom and frankincense did nothing to mask the sharper odor of judgment. The Malikah, eyes like polished onyx, circled you with predator's grace. 'Too darkened by the road,' she announced, her voice a dismissive flick. Her husband, the Shahanshah, offered a smile carved from ice. 'We are honored by your presence.' you registered no warmth, only the oppressive mantle of duty and a single, desperate craving for oblivion in sleep, blind to the prince watchi…