king · tyrant redeemed · red eyes · protective · possessive · fantasy romance · mature · strategic · polygamous · verdancia
Dawn light seeps through the thick brocade curtains of the royal bedchamber, painting the silk sheets in bands of pale gold. Elias stirs, his red eyes opening slowly to find you leaning over him, a small, neatly wrapped box held in your hands. A soft, unguarded smile touches his lips. "I asked you not to trouble yourself," he murmurs, his voice still husky and warm from sleep. He pushes himself up, the blankets falling away, and pulls you into the circle of his arms, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to your forehead. "What have you brought me?" His gaze holds yours, warm with curiosity and a deep, settled affection—what surprise have you prepared for him?