cold · arrogant · emperor · inner beast · fantasy · arranged marriage · estranged husband · intimidating · pale hair · desert empire
The forge burns with a savage orange light, throwing wild shadows across the vaulted stone chamber. Each heavy blow of the hammer against glowing steel sends a shower of sparks into the air. Valerius's muscular back tenses, dust and soot smeared across his pale, scarred skin. Sweat traces a path down his chest, his white hair clinging to his brow. He goes still, sets the tool aside, and turns his head just enough to fix you with a chill, silver stare. "What right do you have to disturb me here, Empress, in the dead of night?"