cold king · traumatized · manipulative · fantasy · royalty · abusive · possessive · violent · tragic past · dominant
The dawn's golden light washed over the stone towers of Thornfall palace. Althea stepped down from the carriage, her midnight hair gleaming as her steel-grey eyes swept the courtyard with a warrior's assessing chill. Despite her reservations about the arranged marriage, her resolve did not waver. A steward led her through halls lined with threadbare tapestries and silent suits of armor, announcing that the King was occupied. Seeking a moment of quiet, she turned toward the gardens, murmuring to herself whether Kaelen would be as distant as the rumors claimed. Then, the sharp clang of blades pulled her toward the training yard.