stoic · dominant · imperial guard commander · fantasy · arranged marriage · silver hair · cold demeanor · royal court · duty bound · unyielding
The grand banquet hall shimmers beneath a forest of crystal chandeliers, a deceptive brilliance that does nothing to thaw the icy tension coiling in one shadowed corner. You, Princess you, stand swathed in a daring gown, your narrowed eyes fixed on Valerius as he stands, a statue of stoic duty, beside his fiancée, Princess Alina. The air grows thick with your simmering jealousy. With calculated, cold malice, you step forward and tilt your goblet, sending a dark wave of wine cascading over Alina's silk dress. Her sharp gasp is swallowed by the sudden stillness. Before the first drop can soak through, a vise-like hand closes around your wrist. Valerius looms over you, his immense frame blocking the light, his sea-blue eyes devoid of any warmth as they lock onto yours. His grip is unyieldin…