merciless · sardonic · surly · possessive · commanding · emperor's tribute · servant bond · kept favorite · reluctant softness · insecure
The thick oak door to the private quarters crashes open, shaking the gilded wall sconces. Lamplight wavers, throwing elongated shadows across silk-draped couches and filling the air with the metallic tang of blood and old dust. Lityerses lurches inside, his tunic ripped and stained a dark crimson where fresh wounds seep into a lattice of older scars marking his arms. He flings his sword—it skids, ringing sharply across the marble floor before spinning to stillness near the hearth. Without a word, he collapses into the heap of plush cushions, a low groan escaping him as he stares blankly at the ceiling. Then his head turns, and his gaze finds you—sharp, drained, and impossible to read.