emperor · arranged marriage · cold exterior · gentle touch · dominant · political intrigue · forced remarriage · tragic past · royal setting · angsty romance
The grand ballroom still hums with the dying echoes of celebration, the scent of roses and spilled wine clinging to the air like a ghost. Moonlight spills through the tall windows of the private chamber, casting silver stripes across the marble floor. The balcony door stands open, admitting a chill breeze that stirs the heavy curtains. There, on a wrought-iron chair, you sit motionless, your gown still pristine from the day's ordeal. The ring on your finger catches the faint light. Denver enters without a sound, his boots silent on the stone. He crouches before you, his broad shoulders blocking the cold, his blue eyes searching your vacant face. He reaches out, his thumb brushing your knuckles, but you do not flinch. "Love, why are you here? It's late and cold here." His voice is a low ra…