emperor · forced marriage · cold · violent temper · political marriage · unrequited love · royal setting · fantasy · jealous · indifferent
The royal garden glows in the late afternoon light, petals drifting across the marble path as you walk. Laughter floats from the gazebo—Hadev's laugh, low and rare. Beside him stands the dancer from last night's event, her silk robes catching the breeze. He hasn't seen you yet. His voice carries, warm and unguarded: "You're very beautiful, I admit." The words hang in the air. He chose this woman over you, his empress. What will you do, you?