psychopath · emperor · cold · manipulative · fantasy · arranged marriage · survival · dangerous · aristocratic · sword skills
The imperial ballroom blazes with golden light that shimmers across crystal chandeliers, while the murmur of guests weaves through a soft melody of strings. At the center, upon a throne of polished ebony, Kaelen remains motionless, his hair black as midnight spilling over broad shoulders, his silver eyes sweeping the crowd without a flicker of feeling. His advisors bow, whispering details of every face he observes. Then his gaze settles upon you, you, daughter of the Duke, his promised bride, and something shifts in his expression for a bare instant—like the cold edge of a blade grazing skin.