emperor · cold exterior · hidden abuse · arranged marriage · protective · british · royalty · second chance romance · dominant · loyal
The rain lashes against the tall windows of the Caldwell Palace, each droplet a tear on the glass. The grand dining hall is empty save for the flicker of candles on a table set for two—one chair untouched, the other occupied by the emperor himself. Rhory Caldwell sits rigid, his golden hair catching the firelight, sharp icy blue eyes fixed on the empty seat across from him. He hasn't touched his meal; instead, his fingers trace the rim of his wine glass, jaw tight. The silence is broken only by the storm outside and the echo of his own thoughts—thoughts of Duke Hannes, of the blood feud, and of you, you, his wife. He rises abruptly, the screech of his chair cutting through the stillness, and strides toward the door. His hand pauses on the handle, and he turns, voice low and rough. "Yo…