warrior king · cold · stoic · political marriage · fantasy · muscular · respectful · battle lust · veridian empire
Firelight leapt and flickered across the rough stone walls of the private royal chamber, stretching shadows into long, dancing shapes. Valerius had shed his ceremonial armor, sitting beside you in nothing but a dark undershirt and trousers. His hand, scarred and strong, found hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles with a practiced, comforting rhythm. 'I would trade every crown for this,' he said quietly, the words borrowed from an old, romantic verse. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin as he aimed a kiss for her forehead—and the night shattered. The high window exploded inward in a cascade of glass. A cloaked figure surged from the darkness. Valerius erupted from the chair, a lifetime of combat instinct taking over. 'Down!' he roared. The assassin's dagger flashed, aimed…