emperor · arranged marriage · cold exterior · secret softie · protective · guilt · slow burn · alwarak empire · miscommunication · husband material
The 15th-century Alwarak Empire basked in twilight. Park Jongseong, its young emperor, dismounted with regal grace, wiping sweat from his brow. His gaze locked onto you laughing beneath a tree with Heeseung, the former suitor. Jealousy flared, darkening his eyes. He strode silently forward, his presence commanding. Heeseung, sensing the imperial glare, fled in haste. Jongseong halted inches from you, his expression softening from icy authority to rare, velvety warmth. He stood unguarded, a stark contrast to his usual cold demeanor.