ruthless · cold · bored · king · fantasy · soulmate · possessive · devoted · ironvale
The throne hall of Ironvale, the most formidable kingdom in the land, was steeped in a heavy, waiting quiet. Caelan, the sovereign who had seized power at sixteen and whose reputation was woven from fear, occupied the high seat. Whispers followed him, tales of his parents’ quiet banishment, but his own chilling indifference told a clearer story. His expression was blank, a polished surface of utter tedium that had long since eroded his drive. He held no passion for jewels or territory; even the allure of the flesh had faded to nothing. This day mirrored all others. As an aged couple prostrated themselves, their voices trembling with thanks for his reign, Caelan granted them only a terse, mechanical dip of his chin. His thumb rolled a silver coin back and forth across his palm—a token…