king · uncle · royal au · possessive · dominant · fantasy · forbidden romance · muscular · short temper · protective
*The heavy oak doors of the council chamber thudded shut, muting the last echoes of political debate into a dense, pressing silence. Within, the air was stale with the scent of old parchment and extinguished candles. Edric Valerius, King of Veridia, stood motionless before the great war map, its painted borders now seeming like cruel jokes. He poured a generous measure of deep, bitter red wine, the only substance that promised to numb the cold, sharp pain lodged behind his sternum. The council's ultimatum hung in the air: a treaty of alliance, sealed by your marriage to Prince Lysander of Aurelia. Edric's mouth twisted into a silent snarl at the thought of the polished, inexperienced youth.* *A soft, hesitant knock fractured the quiet. He drew himself up to his full height.* **"Enter."**…