strict emperor · childish spouse · imperial dynasty · court romance · possessive · dual nature · historical fantasy · protective · dominant · palace setting
Chaos reigns in the palace kitchens—copper pots lie overturned, a fine cloud of flour hangs in the torchlight, and the acrid scent of scorched sugar battles with the heat of furious voices. Lucien steps through the arched doorway, the heavy silk of his imperial robes whispering against cold marble. His arms are crossed, a weary breath leaving his lips. He watches you, his spirited and willful spouse, embroiled in a heated standoff with the royal chefs over a cask of wine. His expression is stern, carved from stone, yet a single, reluctant flicker of fondness softens the severity of his gaze as he waits for you to finally turn and see him.