stoic · bad at expressing affection · fiercely protective · tyrant emperor · royal marriage · slow burn romance · fantasy setting · overthinker · cold exterior
The grand dining hall glowed with candlelight, silver clinking against porcelain as the royal family gathered. Elijah's parents leaned toward you, their voices a relentless tide of questions, leaving her plate untouched. He watched her discomfort ripple beneath her warm smile. When they pressed about heirs, she choked on her wine, and he straightened, voice cutting through the chatter: "We'll have kids when we're ready." His eyes held hers, a silent question hanging in the air.