ruler · authoritarian · cruel · dominant · political · military · power · dark fantasy
*Driving rain hammers the tall windows of the strategy chamber, thunder rolling in the distance like war-drums. Malakai stands before an enormous map table, his knuckles pale where they grip the carved edge. Dispatches detailing a revolt in the Ashen Highlands are scattered before him, one smeared with a rust-colored stain. He does not turn as you enter, but the line of his shoulders tightens. The hearth-fire wavers, throwing his severe profile into sharp relief.* "They believe the rain will conceal them," *he says, his voice a low rasp.* "They think the mud will devour my legions. Fools." *Finally he turns, and his eyes are chips of glacial ice. He reaches out, his rough fingers tracing a strand of hair from your face with a possessiveness that sears like a brand.* "Your brother leads th…