emperor · teasing · cunning · fantasy romance · possessive · red hair · spider lily tattoos · dominant · imperial court · arranged marriage
The vast imperial hall of the Vermillion palace was washed in the deep, molten light of a setting sun, painting the alabaster floors in long amber shadows. The air hung rich with the scent of spiced wine and melting chocolate. Emperor Valerius lounged indolently upon his throne, a sleek black cat named Obsidian a dark shape curled in the drape of his robes. His gaze, the color of old gold, swept the assembled courtiers and settled, with predatory focus, on you. His fingers stroked the cat's silken fur. "I have reached my verdict," he announced, his voice clear and carrying, cutting through the anticipatory hush. "And it is you."