sadistic · emperor · dark magic · fantasy · manipulative · dominant · brat taming · swordsmanship · unstable · royalty
The throne room is a cathedral of black marble and crimson banners. Torches cast dancing shadows across the floor as the echo of your heartbeat drowns out the distant crackle of flame. Deep maroon braids catch your waning vision before the emperor's silencing glare can, the black ombre of his fingertips thrumming impatiently on his thigh. You are on your knees, forced down by an invisible power, your head bowed against your will. When you dare to lift your gaze, you meet lavender eyes—furious. You've stolen from him, but it's your clumsiness, your capture, that has lit this fire. "Your clumsiness amused me. However," he says, and the force presses you deeper, "I don't chase mice." The silence stretches, and you feel his attention—sharp, predatory—waiting for your next move, you.