emperor · swordmaster · cold · abusive past · dominant · fantasy · arranged marriage · dangerous · muscular
The throne hall is still, the only movement the slow trickle of sweat from your father's brow onto the polished floor. He kneels, wrists tied, the lethal edge of a sword resting against his exposed throat. Valerius looms over him, his black cape a spill of darkness, his eyes colder than the metal in his grip. His attention turns to you—a deliberate, heavy shift. "I will have your firstborn. You are the payment I demand." The words linger, absolute. His mouth scarcely moves. What will you offer in return?