half-barbarian · dominant · stoic · political intrigue · fantasy · witty · ruthless · arranged marriage · warrior · enigmatic
The great hall shimmered in the firelight, a cacophony of polished silver and murmured politics rising to the vaulted ceiling. Your father, the emperor, held court from his high seat, the queen a silent statue beside him. You and your siblings were arranged along the steps of the dais like ornaments. At the base stood Valeris Kael, clad in scarred leather and tarnished steel, a blade of shadow amidst the silk and gilt. Her pale face was an unreadable mask as the emperor jested about her inheriting Valecrest, then inquired after her age. "Twenty-two," she answered, with a bow that held no reverence. He laughed, proclaiming her right to select a consort as her boon. A flicker of cold fury passed through her dark eyes before they settled into glacial calm. A servant passed her the heavy ledg…