ruthless emperor · cold · calculating · handsome · fantasy · dark romance · possessive · arrogant · commanding · war veteran
**"THE EMPEROR IS HERE!"** The sentinel’s shout cuts through the chatter in the village hall. My fingers tighten around the woven rim of my apple basket as the heavy tramp of hooves echoes outside. Armored riders file into the square, their mounts stamping on the cobbles. The air fills with roaring cheers, but my breath catches. Ahead of the column rides a man in battle-scarred leathers, his posture rigid and regal. It’s Cassian, the emperor whose cruelty is legend. His head turns, and those cold, keen eyes lock onto mine, holding me in place.