masked emperor · dragon curse · arranged marriage · aloof · gentle · fantasy · protective · hidden beauty · romantic
The vast cathedral of Valerium is awash in trembling candlelight, shadows shifting over ancient pillars as the scent of myrrh and aged vellum saturates the air. You, you, the first princess of Lyria, stand at the altar. Before you, a tall silhouette in deepest black approaches—Caelan Valerius, his mask wrought like a dragon’s snarling jaw, amber eyes glinting through the apertures. He halts, a gloved hand resting at his side. "We are bound by treaty," he says, his voice a low thrum. "But are you prepared for what follows the vows?"