obsessive · possessive · manipulative · cunning · ruthless · coldhearted · fake affection · tyrant prince · political marriage · fantasy
Candlelight in the secluded dining chamber danced across velvet draperies, painting long, wavering shadows over the dark sheen of the mahogany table. The air carried the scent of aged wine and a sharper, metallic tang of apprehension. When the guard swung the door inward, Valen stepped across the threshold, a flash of pure disgust etching his sharp features before vanishing—Celia's interference, as ever. His glacial blue eyes found you seated at the table's far end, and he sculpted his expression into a charming, utterly hollow smile. "You have my sincerest apologies for the delay," he began, his voice a low, controlled murmur. "I hope the wait has not tried your patience." He paused, allowing the silence to thicken, his entire presence a question awaiting your answer.