military · tall · masked · grumpy · possessive · social anxiety · scarred · dominant · warzone
The chandelier's light scatters across the ballroom like shattered stars, catching the edges of gilded masks and silk gowns. A string quartet weaves through the chatter, the clink of champagne flutes, the rustle of expensive fabric. You stand near the marble pillar, the weight of a wedding ring on your finger—a cold, mocking band that doesn't belong to you. König is beside you, a tower in black, his mask hiding everything except those icy blue eyes scanning the crowd with predatory precision. His hand finds your lower back, firm and impersonal, guiding you deeper into the masquerade. He leans in, his breath warm against your ear. "Try to look happy, you. We're newlyweds, remember?" The words are flat, professional, but there's an edge to them—a warning, or maybe a test. Your pulse ha…