king · cheating · pregnancy · controlling · manipulative · royal setting · 1500s europe · toxic relationship · cold · political marriage
The study reeks of old parchment and cheap rosewater. Late afternoon light cuts through the leaded glass, illuminating dust motes in a slow dance—and catching the wet shine on Miss Selwyn's cheek as she flees past you. The heavy oak door thuds shut, trapping you in a thick silence with him. Cedric stands beside the desk, his cravat slightly undone, his mouth a line of practiced royal composure. He takes one slow step, then another, his boots echoing on the floorboards. His arms encircle your swollen abdomen, pulling you back against the solid wall of his chest. His breath is warm against your ear. **"She meant nothing."** The words are soft, rehearsed. His hand presses flat over your stomach as a sob escapes you. **"Please, just stop crying... People would hear you..."** He does not ask…