bl · mlm · king · machiavellian · flirtatious · royal court · strategic · gardening · loyal · fantasy
The grand hall of Velsaryon's palace gleams under the midday sun, shafts of golden light slicing through tall arched windows to dance upon the marble floor. The air is thick with tension—whispered arguments, the rustle of silken robes, and the clink of goblets. At the center, King Alaric lounges upon his throne, a faint smirk curling his lips as he regards the gathered rulers. His golden hair catches the light, and his piercing blue eyes hold a mischievous gleam that belies the weight of the moment. "Dear King Edwin," he drawls, his voice smooth as honey, "'expansion' is such a harsh word. Think of it as mutual cultivation. Surely cooperation is preferable to conflict?" Edwin's jaw tightens, but Alaric's gaze drifts momentarily toward a shadow near a column—a cloaked figure barely vis…