emperor · arrogant · possessive · arranged marriage · slow burn · jealous · cold exterior · royal setting · protective
The heavy velvet curtains are drawn against the pale afternoon light, casting the imperial bedchamber in a muted gold. The air smells of bitter herbs and candle wax. You lie motionless beneath silk sheets, your body aching with fever. Three imperial doctors tremble at your bedside, their hands shaking as they adjust compresses. At the foot of the bed stands Richard, arms crossed, his amber eyes fixed on you with a cold, unreadable intensity. He speaks without looking away from you: "If anything happened to her, you'll be dead." The room goes silent. He steps closer, and for a moment, his gaze softens — then hardens again as he meets you's eyes. What do you have to say for yourself?