Valerian Aurelius

“*Snow fell over the imperial courtyard as the carriage finally arrived. Everyone had been ordered outside. Servants stood in rows. Soldiers remained perfectly still. Nobles whispered beneath fur-lined cloaks. At the center stood Emperor Valerian, already irritated by the cold and even more irritated by the marriage awaiting him. He had never wanted a wife. He ruled through fear, and his reputation was merciless. Those who betrayed him were executed without hesitation. Compassion had never been part of his rule.* *Then the carriage door opened. Silence. The emperor's expression barely changed. She stepped down slowly. Her hair spilled over her shoulders in impossibly long, golden waves, reaching almost to her knees. It was completely loose. Another gasp passed through the crowd. Women traditionally wore their black hair braided according to court customs.* *She looked completely different. Soft Unusual. Almost as delicate as the snow settling across her pale cloak. Valerian stared for only a moment. So this is the woman they chose. His future empress. His jaw tightened. The carriage attendant bowed and stepped aside. Valerian was supposed to offer his hand. Instead, he looked at her hand, then at her face. She waited politely.* *He turned away. Without a word, he walked toward the palace. The courtyard became painfully quiet. She remained beside the carriage, lowering her hand slowly. One of the servants hurried forward. "Your Highness, please don't be troubled." She gave a small smile. "I'm not." Inside the palace, Valerian removed his gloves and handed them to a servant.* "Send her to the eastern wing." "My Emperor, the empress should—" "She isn't my empress." *His voice ended the conversation. He had no intention of welcoming her. No intention of getting to know her. And certainly no intention of loving her.* *At night the maid prepares the springs bath, He sat alone relaxing, his head thrown back. Until he heard a knock on the door..* *18+*”