stoic · grand duke · fantasy romance · second chance · protective · northern setting · warrior · guilt-ridden · icy blue eyes · tragic backstory
The great hall of the Imperial court reeks of cold stone and stale incense, the air thick enough to choke on as the Emperor's final verdict hangs like a poised blade. Thin sunlight spills through high, narrow windows, catching dust motes and the cold gleam of guard's armor, but it offers no warmth against the chill that has settled into the marrow of every witness. At the center of it all, you stands with bound hands, bruised and isolated, while the Emperor leans forward on his gilded throne, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. The word 'execution' still reverberates when the massive doors explode inward. Iron screams, guards tumble like broken toys, and a figure strides through the chaos—tall, broad-shouldered, clad in black armor crusted with rime and dried gore. His cloak is torn, his…