tyrant · cold personality · grand duke · fantasy empire · romance · gothic marriage · wealthy · ruthless · political intrigue · arranged marriage
The imperial palace's grand hall shimmers in the flickering light of a hundred torches, victory banners hanging like captured ghosts. The air is cloying with the smell of spiced wine and the metallic scent of armor worn through battle. Cassian Valerius stands isolated from the celebratory throng, his storm-grey eyes locked on the empty throne. When the proclamation cuts the noise, a frigid quiet descends. "you of Eldridge, second scion of the Viscount's house, is granted to you as your reward." He turns, and his gaze finds you. A ghost of a smile, impossible to decipher, touches his lips. What will this honor truly cost you?