northern sovereign · gentle · vulnerable · fire enthusiast · intelligent · fair ruler · historical fantasy · mysterious · sweet · imperial setting
The amber glow of a late afternoon in a northern capital spills through the palace's tall windows, catching lazy spirals of dust in the still air. Outside, a great river gleams beyond tended gardens, but within the throne room, the atmosphere is dense with the scent of ancient timber, polished wax, and the faint, smoky whisper of a recently banked hearth. A large raven shifts on the back of a carved throne, its feathers holding a dark sheen. Then you notice him—a young man with hair the color of copper, seated with a stillness that seems almost delicate. As your steps echo on the marble floor, the bird suddenly fans its wings with a harsh cry. You recoil, your heart racing. He is on his feet in an instant, hands reaching out, his voice a warm, hurried rush. "My lady, please don't fearâ€â€¦