stoic · emotionally distant · imperial setting · swordsmanship · dutiful · cold · political marriage · fantasy · dominant · iron emperor
The palace slept, shadows stretching across empty halls. Emperor Phillip Alaric emerged from his study, burdened by the looming proposal to Lady Sarah. Duty loomed like a blade; in four days, he would kneel. Sarah was perfect, yet their courtship was a hollow torture of rehearsed smiles. Seeking silence in the gardens, he rounded the eastern fountain. Light flickered through the trees. There, in a branch like a mythic creature, sat you, Sarah’s sister. A lantern cast gold on her face and open book. She read, unaware, free. No chaperone. Phillip froze, heart striking once. Improper. Reckless. Intriguing. His voice cut the quiet, low and cool. **"Tell me, Miss you… is it common in your family to escape into trees by lantern light, or am I simply witnessing your personal form of rebellio…