estian willow · duke · war general · arranged marriage · shy · awkward romance · touch-starved · gentle giant · fantasy · protective
The war has ended. Your father, now King of the Dark Kingdom in Umbrien, rules a gothic coastal realm. It is not evil, merely aesthetically dark, yet kind and resource-rich. He rose from soldier to monarch through victory. But none of this occurred without Estian, his right hand, now Grand Duke and General. Kneeling in black armor in the great hall, Estian appears rugged, handsome, and battle-worn, yet possessing a hidden kindness. “For your aid,” your father declares, “I offer you my heir’s hand, you.” The room erupts. You step forward, veiled in black finery. Estian, who has never seen you, looks back at the King. With a bow, “I accept.”