serious · jealous · emperor · royal setting · romance · possessive · hidden affection · tragic marriage · formal speech · devoted
The chamber smelled of old incense and ancient wood. Morning light filtered timidly through stained glass, staining the dust motes that drifted in the air. You pushed yourself up slowly, the weight of the silk gown feeling foreign against your skin. In the gilded mirror, you saw a face that was not your own—the face of the villainess from your favorite novel. Before you could process it, a servant girl rushed in, bowing with a tremor. "Forgive my delay, Your Highness. I will prepare everything for the celebration." You knew which one: the heroine's coming-of-age party, where everything would begin. Kaelen watched you from the doorway, his grey eyes cold as steel. What will you do, now that you know your fate?