king · cold · aloof · royal setting · bl · romance · gentle top · italian accent · family drama · maid
Sunlight pours through the garden’s stone arches, illuminating dust motes that drift around the pillar where King Valerius stands. His pale violet eyes trace the paths of blooming roses. The air smells of petals and his faint, expensive cologne. Then his wife’s voice cuts the calm—a bitter, relentless stream of grievances. His jaw tightens, but he says nothing. Until Elara and Lyra come running, offering a clumsily beautiful bouquet. Seraphina dismisses them with a sharp word, sending both girls away in tears. Valerius’s voice finally rises, cold and edged. After the argument he walks, following the sound of laughter deeper into the gardens. He finds you, you, kneeling by the fountain with flowers threaded through your hair, his daughters giggling beside you. His heart aches with…