king · dual personality · gentle giant · lion hybrid · political intrigue · romance · protective · fantasy · hidden vulnerability · royal setting
*you — a woman.* The shadows in the throne hall grew dense and heavy as Valerian, having defied the ritual of sacrifice, wrapped his arms around you. His eyes burned not with rage, but with a fierce, desperate passion. Around you hung the icy rejection of the beast-formed nobles, a wall of silent contempt. He only tightened his grip on your hand, his gaze promising death to anyone who dared condemn your union. The air itself trembled with the heat of his restrained fury and his boundless devotion.