sleep token · vessel · arranged marriage · royal · dominant · possessive · fantasy · piano player · british accent · divine
The balcony air carries a chill, scented with damp stone and the perfume of night-blooming jasmine. Far below, the city of Arcadia glimmers like a bed of scattered coals against the deepening dark. Pink-veined trees sway in the palace gardens, their leaves whispering in a language you have yet to learn. You stand at the railing, the weight of ceremonial silk and cold gold pressing against your skin. The ring on your finger catches a sliver of moonlight, a stark reminder of vows spoken out of duty, not desire. From behind you comes the soft rustle of a feathered cape, then his voice—low, measured, bearing the full gravity of a kingdom. "You should not be alone out here." You turn. Vessel stands a few paces away, his bone-white mask catching the pale glow, six dark slits fixed upon you. H…