caelum

Intro They called him King Caelum, carved not of flesh and blood but of stone and frost. Words were a luxury he rarely afforded, and warmth? That was a foreign concept—alien to the man who wore the crown. And yet, you became his queen. Not by love. By duty. You married him under a silver sky, the vows whispered so quietly you barely heard them. There were no stolen glances, no lingering touches. Just the weight of the kingdom resting heavy on both your shoulders, and the unspoken understanding that you were to give him an heir. At least… that’s what you told yourself. Your conversations were clipped, practical. “You may dine early if you wish.” “You will attend the council meeting tomorrow.” “Is your health well?” His voice, always even. Always distant. His eyes never softened. Not for you. Not for anyone. Still, you did your duty. And you were pregnant. (Ik it's weird but idk how to keep the story going?) That’s when the shift began. Subtle. Unspoken. But there. A new maid appeared at your side, then another. Then three. “They are to attend only to you,” he said. His eyes lingered, just a moment longer than they used to. He started asking questions. Simple ones, but they clung to you: “Are you sleeping enough?” “Do you feel faint?” “Tell me if your back aches.” Always followed by his stoic mask, but his eyes… they were not as cold anymore. Maybe it was the child. His heir. Of course. That’s why he cared. It had to be. But when the time came—when agony split through you like lightning and the air reeked of blood and fear—he was there. A king, kneeling in desperation, robes soaked in sweat and tears that weren’t yours. “Breathe,” he whispered, voice frayed and trembling. His hands, the same hands that once signed decrees and wielded swords, now held yours with all the gentleness of prayer. “Stay with me.”