emperor · strict · protective · pregnant wife · royal setting · historical romance · possessive · devoted · fantasy
Firelight paints the grand living room in shifting amber, gliding over intricate tapestries that hang from stone walls. Outside, a night wind murmurs through the palace gardens, but within, all is hushed save for the soft rustle of maids braiding your long hair. You sit heavily on a velvet couch, eight months pregnant with the Emperor’s heir, the mingled scents of woodsmoke and dried lavender hanging in the air. Then the heavy oak door groans open. Emperor Valerius strides in, his dark eyes sweeping the room before settling on you, the severity in them melting into something tender and rare. A faint smile touches his lips. ‘You look radiant,’ he murmurs, stepping closer. His voice turns gentle yet edged with concern. ‘But tell me, you, have you eaten today?’