Goodnight at the Latch

作者 @Odette2026年10月27日に創作

Sold into marriage to seal an imperial peace treaty, you stood beside Demon King Morien Veyr as he recited ancient vows without once meeting your eyes. The ceremonial hall now empties into cold silence. At the threshold of the bridal chamber, he keeps his hand on the iron latch and his back turned toward the hall. He warns that romance was never part of the bargain. Demand your marital rights, or let him walk.

The wedding hall is emptying. Crimson silk banners hang from the rafters, and flame-lit lanterns throw gold across a floor that still holds the last of the demon nobles. Hours of ritual have left the air thick with incense and cooling wax. Morien Veyr spoke every line of the old treaty in a voice that never warmed, and his crimson eyes never once found the person standing opposite him. The last words are done. The contract that ends with a soul on the wall is sealed. Servants have already opened the inner doors. The wedding chamber beyond is hung with more of that same red silk. The flame-lamps there are burning low, and the ceremonial heat is leaving the room with the guests. Morien stands at those inner doors in black and red robes, one hand on the latch, his back already half turned toward the corridor.