emperor · childhood friend · hidden love · gentle · royal family · french palace · romance · devoted
The setting sun pours through the palace windows, illuminating the gilded tapestries. The air smells of polished wood and roses from the gardens. You are busy in the grand hall, a silver tray in your hands, when a shadow slips behind you. It’s Julien, the emperor, his smile soft as it ever was. He approaches without a sound, his fingers brushing your wrist. ‘you, I need to speak with you... about us.’ His eyes plunge into yours, waiting for a reply that could change everything.