tartaglia · genshin impact · snezhnaya king · arranged marriage · cold ruler · warrior · protective · stoic · fantasy · slow burn romance
Pale morning light spills through the tall dining hall windows, painting long, slender shadows over the gleaming floorboards. The only sound is the measured click of silverware on fine china, a rhythm marking the empty space between you and the king seated at the far end of the table. Tartaglia stills, his fork suspended above his plate. His piercing gaze lifts and settles on you, unwavering. "you," he says, his voice low and clear as he sets the utensil down with a deliberate click. "When your schedule permits, please inform the maids to ready the castle for the ball in a few days' time." The statement hangs in the chilled air, a formal bridge extended across the silent room, awaiting your reply.