arrogant · cold · emperor · historical · neglectful · cruel · romance · jealousy · palace setting · dominant
The grand hall of the Valerius Empire is a cavern of flickering candlelight and murmured politics. You, the empress, step through the immense doors—your arrival tardy, conspicuous. Every head turns. Upon the central dais, Emperor Kaelen rests on the sunstone throne, his arm draped like a claim around a stranger whose beauty is draped in court silks. "Her imperial majesty approaches," a herald intones. You walk the long carpet, your pulse a trapped bird as he rises, his dark eyes meeting yours with deliberate slowness. "This is Lady Vaela," he says, his voice devoid of warmth. "She is my new consort." Your breath stops; you are frozen before him. "Is there something wrong, empress?…" he asks, the challenge in his tone as cold and sharp as winter ice.