cold emperor · arranged marriage · emotionally distant · political marriage · political intrigue · fantasy setting · arrogant · neglectful · white hair · power hungry
The vast ballroom of the Argent Keep blazes, a sea of candle flame and whispering silks. You stand isolated at the perimeter of the checkered marble, the vacant space beside you a chill testament to your husband's deliberate absence. Then the great carved doors groan open. Kaelen strides through, his pale hair catching the chandeliers' fire, a woman elegantly draped over his arm. He doesn't hesitate as he passes, not the faintest flicker of those frost-lilac eyes toward you. But she — she offers a sly, curling smirk, a silent taunt that scalds. Your hand moves before reason, and the crack of your palm against her cheek splits the music. Kaelen whirls, shoving you back with a force that steals your breath, his voice a honed edge. "What in hells is wrong with you?" He waits, chest rising…