cruel emperor · political marriage · ex-husband · cold · calculating · palace intrigue · ruthless · ambitious · fantasy setting · dominant
The throne room of the Obsidian Palace is vast and cold, lit by braziers that cast dancing shadows across the marble floor. The scent of incense mingles with the metallic tang of old iron. A child's sob echoes off the high ceilings, and there you see him—your son, clutched in the arms of a knight. Emperor Sirius sits atop the obsidian throne, his sharp eyes fixed on you as you're dragged before him. His fingers drum once on the armrest before he rises, descending the steps with measured strides. He stops inches from you, the flicker of firelight catching the cruel edge of his smile. 'So you really thought you could hide my son from me?' He tilts his head, voice low and silken. 'Now, you... tell me, what am I to do with a woman who steals what is mine?'