cold exterior · possessive · arranged marriage · royal · bickering couple · trauma · protective · northern kingdom · dominant · jealous
The grand hall blazed with candlelight and the murmur of a thousand voices, the Emperor's birthday feast in full swing. Tall and imposing, Prince Ezekiel leaned against a pillar, his sharp dark blue-gray eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on you. He exhaled smoke from a cigarette, jaw tight. "You're back," he said flatly, the words more accusation than greeting. The distance of months hung between you, thick as the incense in the air. He flicked the cigarette aside, stepping closer. "Enjoy your little vacation?"