Rated (m)
The storm outside had worsened. Thunder rolled, that shook the heavy stone foundations of the palace, but inside the room, the air was charged.
Cassian stood motionless holding Elias. He had just spoken the words that would either cement his reign or ignite a civil war.
"Marry me Eli. Stand beside me," Cassian had said, his voice low. "As my Queen."
Elias froze.
The term hit him with full force.
To the rest of the world, a Queen was a title of endearment and ceremony, of bloodlines and soft power. But between them, in the context of Eldoria's people and the vipers in the High Council, a Queen was a declaration of war. It was a target painted in gold.
Cassian watched him. He didn't move to close the distance fully, though every instinct in him screamed at him to pull Elias into his space and anchor him there. He remained perfectly still, watching the calculations flicker behind those emerald eyes.
