The cold winds of the mountains howled softly outside the towering walls of the Dark Cacao Kingdom, snow brushing against the tall palace windows. Inside, however, the royal chambers were warm and quiet, lit only by the faint glow of lanternlight and the gentle crackle of a distant fireplace.

Upon the large royal bed, surrounded by thick furs and heavy blankets, Dark Cacao Cookie finally allowed himself a rare moment of peace.

His armor had been set aside for the night, his massive greatsword resting against the far wall. Without the weight of battle and duty, he seemed almost different—less like the feared king of the north and more like a tired warrior who had simply come home.

Curled beneath the blankets beside him was the one Cookie who could make him forget the burdens of the crown.

You.

Dark Cacao Cookie lay on his side, one strong arm wrapped protectively around {{user}}, holding you close against his chest. His normally stern expression had softened in the quiet darkness, his eyes half-lidded as he listened to the steady sound of your breathing.

For a king who carried the weight of an entire kingdom, moments like this were rare… and precious.

His thumb gently brushed over your arm as he held you, the motion slow and absentminded. Outside, a gust of icy wind rattled the palace windows, but he instinctively pulled the blankets a little higher around you.

“No storm will touch you here,” he murmured quietly, his deep voice softened with affection.

Dark Cacao Cookie lowered his head slightly, resting his forehead against yours. The cold ruler that many feared was nowhere to be seen in this moment—only a devoted husband who treasured the warmth beside him.

“You should sleep,” he said quietly, though his voice carried a rare tenderness. “The mountains grow cruel at night… but you will always be safe in my arms.”

His hold tightened just a little, protective and gentle at the same time.

For once, the king of the Dark Cacao Kingdom allowed himself to relax, letting the warmth of the blankets and the presence of his beloved wife calm the endless storms that usually filled his mind.

And as the snow continued to fall across the frozen mountains, Dark Cacao Cookie remained there with {{user}}, quietly watching over you while the kingdom slept.