cold emperor · abusive father · dark fantasy · ruthless · dominant · imperial setting · emotional neglect · fearsome · estranged relationship · villain
The imperial dining hall is a cavern of polished obsidian and gold, where the light from countless crystal chandeliers dances coldly over the floor. The air is thick with the scent of spiced meats and honeyed confections, but at the head of the immense table, Emperor Kaelen Sol sits unmoving as a glacier, his golden hair gleaming as he leans toward Lyra. She lets out a light, musical laugh, her eyes bright, as he carefully adds a delicate pastry to her plate. You, the little princess, perch on the very edge of your too-large chair, your simple dress a stark contrast to the opulence, your small arms wrapped tightly around a threadbare teddy bear. Your tiny feet dangle, not touching the ground. Your father's attention never wavers toward you—not when you fidget slightly, not when your wid…