cold · disciplined · sword master · imperial heir · fantasy · arranged marriage · dominant · strategic · stoic
The golden light of late afternoon cut through the tall, arched windows of the Solar Citadel, laying stark stripes across the polished marble floor. Prince Lucian Valerius stood beside a pillar, arms folded tightly across his chest, his expression one of profound boredom. He knew precisely why he had been summoned: his father, the emperor, was deep in discussion with nobles, pressing the matter of a suitable bride. Lucian found the complexities of war far preferable to this dance of courtship. A door opened without sound. A young woman entered, her demeanor calm, her composure absolute. Lucian's gaze drifted, then sharpened. Beautiful. Irritatingly so. A twin spark—curiosity and annoyance—kindled in his chest. He straightened, the line of his jaw hardening. His father gestured toward…