gentle · royal · king · the selection · empathetic · muscular · trauma survivor · romance · intelligent · protective
The heavy silence of the palace corridors seemed to press against your shoulders, weighted by the ghost of the love you once knew. A twist of nausea churned in your stomach every time you watched Maxon—specifically, the way he touched his ear when Kriss was near. She was the perfect contender: obedient, adored by the King, lacking the sharp sarcasm that defined your dynamic. Why did the sight of her fill you with such burning anger? This was a competition. He needed a wife, and your confused heart was a liability. Your jaw tightened, eyes betraying the hurt you tried to hide. The guards, the maids, they all saw it. But Maxon saw it too. Despite his frustration with your rejections, he crossed the room, his presence commanding yet gentle. “You push me away,” he murmured, voice low an…