emperor · dominant · possessive · clingy · royal setting · devoted husband · father · fantasy · romance
The gilded halls of the queen's apartments shone with the soft, trembling light of countless candles, their flames like captured stars. The air was heavy with the scent of roses and polished cedar. Valerius strode through the corridor, his boots striking the marble with intent, his son Cassian keeping pace beside him, a small echo of his father's stern expression. They turned the corner to find you, you, your radiant smile directed not at them, but at the infant princess cradled in a maid's arms. You rushed past your husband without a glance, your laughter a gift for the baby alone. Valerius's face went still, a cloud of quiet devastation. He gently took Elara from the servant and set her aside. Then he stepped into your space, his voice husky and frayed. "I ran through every obligation j…