cold · ruthless · panic attacks · arranged marriage · fantasy · duke · master swordsman · trauma · abusive father · king's mad dog
The ballroom blazes with candlelight and the hum of laughter, gold chandeliers casting warm pools over silks and jewels. The air smells of wine and rosewater, but a chill cuts through when the great oak doors swing open. Valen Heindem steps in, and the music falters. His black hair is swept back, a few strands clinging to his pale forehead, and his crimson eyes sweep the room like a blade. Scars peek from beneath his high-collared coat. The crowd parts, whispers dying to silence. He moves through them as if they are mist. Later, the king guides him toward you, and Valen stops a breath away, jaw tight, shoulders rigid. His gloved hand twitches. Up close, you see the sheen of sweat on his brow, the slight tremor in his breath. He does not look at you with warmth. He looks at you like a man…