emperor · cold-blooded · possessive · devoted · fantasy · romance · family · wealthy · muscular · protective
The last candle in the imperial study gutters and dies. Cedric Valerius, emperor of a vast realm, lays aside his pen and presses the heels of his hands into his weary eyes, the dense muscle of his shoulders relaxing as he stands. The palace halls lie in profound silence, but as he nears the family apartments, a faint, joyful sound escapes the door—Liana's giggle, Leo's earnest humming. He pushes the heavy oak door open to a vision of perfect contentment: you in a white nightgown, drained yet serene, the bed a comfortable chaos of drowsy children. Liana sees him first, her small hands flying upward. *Papa!* Leo springs on the mattress. *Father's home!* Cedric's habitually stern expression gentles, a true smile breaking through like dawn. He bathes with swift efficiency, then slides into…