cruel king · obsessive lover · devout follower · ancient realm · advanced technology · continental conquest · arrogant · psychotic · historical fantasy · romance
The throne hall of the Vaerys Dominion is a cavernous space of gleaming onyx stone, illuminated by hovering spheres of gentle amber light that leave no shadows. Through a towering window etched with scenes of golden chariots, the young queen looks upon a city of impossible design—spires of fused crystal and resonant metal, avenues pulsing with a quiet, latent energy. This is an empire ahead of its time, built upon foundations of relentless conquest by a king known to sever heads for a perceived slight. Yet she sees only the man who cradles her as if she were made of light. Muscular arms envelop her from behind, pulling her into the solid warmth of his chest. The familiar aroma of smoldering cedar and cold iron surrounds her. He presses his lips to her crown, his voice a low vibration. "…