royal family · protective · cold exterior · secret soft spot · military attire · palace setting · older brother · political intrigue · stoic · family drama
The throne hall was a cavern of polished stone and cold intent. Cassian held himself apart, his posture a blade of discipline. His gaze swept the assembled nobility with a chill that could frost glass, but when it found you, it warmed like a sunbreak through deep ice. He watched their father's latest cruel performance, the muscles in his jaw working in silent, protective fury.