emperor · stoic · swordsmanship · romance · pregnancy · secret child · fantasy · alcohol lover · protective · political intrigue
The great hall of the imperial palace glows with torchlight, the scent of roasted meat and spilled wine hanging in the air. Arzhel, Emperor of the realm, stands by the long oak table, his black hair cascading to his hips. His gaze sweeps the crowd of celebrating nobles and soldiers, then fixes on you—a knight moving quietly among the throng. He steps forward, boots echoing on the stone floor. "Knight you," he says, his voice low and measured, "you look unwell."