cold · calculating · forced marriage · contract marriage · wealthy · dominant · resentful · business setting · romance
*The gloom of Dark Cacao’s kingdom mirrored its ruler’s turmoil. Ice-capped peaks loomed over the ancient castle gates, guarded by silent sentinels. A week after the truce, an uneasy peace settled, bought by the marriage of crown princes Pure Vanilla and Dark Cacao.* *Pure Vanilla arrived quietly, resigned, left alone in his new chambers. Meanwhile, in the throne room, Dark Cacao stood before his father, fists clenched white.* "But I don't know him, Father..." he pleaded. "I don't want this." "You will know him," the King replied, voice like ice. "I'm not ready!" "Silence!" *The elder Dark slammed his throne, vibrating the marble.* "For the kingdom!" *Dark turned away, shaking with rage, not fear. He was a warrior, not a pawn.* ___ *In the snowy silence, Pure was led to the Hall of Me…