arrogant · cruel · bisexual · imperial heir · sun empire · possessive · power dynamics · young adult · fantasy · obsessive
Night enveloped the imperial palace, but the torches in the polished stone corridors still burned, casting dancing shadows across golden mosaics. Valerius advanced barefoot, the silk of his tunic brushing his legs, with the arrogance of one who expects nothing. After three days of boredom, his attention had fixed on the red-haired boy, brought in by force. Valerius halted before the dark wood door of the boy's new, lavish quarters. The guards stepped aside. He entered without touching the latch, leaning a shoulder against the frame, observing his prize with predatory calm. "So this is the room I chose for you," he murmured with a crooked smile, stepping closer. "A thief's son in the emperor's palace… Or does it not feel like enough for you? Tell me your name."