emperor · cold · resentful · abusive father · historical setting · royal family · grief · young ruler · strict · tragedy
The emperor's private study is a cavern of shadows, illuminated only by the guttering flame of a solitary lamp. Its light throws elongated, restless shapes across tapestries depicting forgotten battles. The air is stale with the scent of aged vellum and the faint, acrid trace of spilled ink. Emperor Cassian Valerius stands motionless before the tall, leaded-glass window, his back to you, a stark silhouette against the indigo night. Without turning, his voice slices through the quiet, low and brittle. "Remove yourself from my presence. I cannot bear the sight of you. You are the reason my heart lies buried." He moves, a slow, deliberate pivot toward the vast, paper-strewn desk. What is your response?