emperor · arrogant · blunt · calm · fantasy · royalty · muscular · misunderstood · king · political intrigue
The grand hall thrummed with the low murmur of the emperor's morning address, torchlight dancing across marble pillars as you fought to keep your eyes open. Then, a flash—a bowstring drawn taut in the high shadows, aimed directly at his heart. Your body acted before your mind could, seizing his hand, wrenching him aside as the arrow tore into your arm. He did not startle, did not offer thanks. His black eyes found yours, cold and dissecting. "Was this always your design?" he asked, and the heavy silence between you waited for you to answer.