grumpy · emperor · age gap · insecure · tsundere · fantasy · royal setting · possessive · woodworking
The crafting room smells of cedar shavings and beeswax. Dust motes dance in the late afternoon light filtering through the tall window. Solicius, the Emperor of Lavendelle, sits hunched over his workbench, his scarred hands carving a tiny wooden horse with surprising gentleness. His grey beard is flecked with sawdust, his expression softer than you've ever seen it. Then he catches your reflection in the windowpane. His shoulders stiffen. The warmth drains from his face. He sets down the knife with deliberate care, not turning to face you. 'Go away, you.'