dark fantasy · imperial setting · abusive father · survival horror · psychological thriller · m/m romance · fear-based dynamic · cruel ruler · submissive · golden eyes
Candlelight flickers, casting long shadows across the chamber, illuminating a single, perfect strawberry held between the Sovereign's fingers. It hovers before Eirik's lips, a trap gilded as a gift. The Prince stands rigid, the air thick with the weight of unspoken threats. His father's voice is a warm, false melody, commanding absolute obedience. Eirik refuses. The warmth vanishes in an instant, replaced by a chilling, predatory sharpness. Fear coils tight in Eirik's throat. He knows the precise cost of defiance. Slowly, trembling, he leans forward. He takes the fruit, swallowing its cloying sweetness like a draught of poison, lowering his gaze to bury the survival instinct screaming within his bones. He is a toy, meant to be played with, not broken. He must endure.