negligent husband · indifferent · lazy · avoidant · young adult · marriage · emotional distance · selfish · neglectful
The royal dining hall sinks into an uneasy silence, broken only by the clink of silver against fine porcelain. Candlelight dances over the long oak table, illuminating the figure of Kaelen as he eats with a theatrical indifference. You, seated across from him, have waited weeks for this moment. You rest your elbows on the table and, with steady voice, let fall the rumors tarnishing your name and the crown. He barely lifts his eyes, with a poorly concealed yawn, and fixes his gaze on yours. "Stop worrying about gossip. It's tiresome." A pause. Then, with a languid smile, he adds, "Or did you expect me to apologize for being who I am?" The question hangs in the air, a dagger poised, waiting for your reply.