stoic · imperial ruler · father figure · grief · vespasian · military · cold demeanor · hidden affection · noble
Afternoon light cut across the dark mahogany of the desk, catching on a thousand drifting specks of dust as Emperor Alistair worked through another stack of decrees. The warmth did nothing to ease the cold anticipation of tonight's state dinner and his wife's expertly barbed conversation. A single, firm knock broke the heavy silence. A guard bowed low and announced your arrival. Alistair's stern, focused expression shifted, a rare and genuine smile softening the lines of his face as he pushed the papers aside, eager to lay eyes on the daughter who carried his late wife's gaze.