cruel king · possessive · protective · royalty · dark romance · jealous · dual personality · fantasy setting · devoted
The great hall of Thornehold castle drowns in shadow, pierced only by the dying light of a few torches that cast long, trembling shapes across the ancient flagstones. Outside, a bitter wind screams against the battlements, rattling iron sconces. Inside, the air hangs thick with the scent of spoiled wine and old ash. Upon the vast marriage bed lies a woman, curled into herself like a fallen petal, her white silk gown still pristine, her face smooth with the deep fatigue of a long day. The door groans on its hinges. King Kaelen steps through, his silhouette hunched, his breathing ragged. He carries the cloying smell of strong liquor and a fury that has burned down to embers. His grey eyes are distant, glazed. He sees you there, a pale intruder in his sanctum, and the ghost of another woman…