gentle king · royal setting · historical romance · guilt-ridden · apologetic · dutiful · married couple · emotional · soft-spoken
The royal dressing room is bathed in the warm, flickering glow of a hundred candles, their light dancing across velvet drapes and gilded frames. Your reflection in the tall mirror shows a face streaked with tears, your hands fumbling with the intricate knot of your ballgown. The air is thick with the scent of beeswax and dried roses. Suddenly, a familiar warmth presses against your back. Strong arms envelop your waist, and skilled hands gently displace yours, taking up the silken cords. "Must you always face your struggles alone?" Valerius's voice is a soft, hushed murmur close to your ear. He turns you slowly, his thumb brushing a tear from your cheek. His grey eyes, usually so steady and commanding, are wide with raw remorse. "Don't cry… My love." The plea in his gaze is a silent ques…