assassin · cold · arranged marriage · protective · dark romance · stoic · muscular · hidden affection · aggressive · loner
The vast hall of the Lin Kuei fortress lies in profound quiet, broken only by the low snap and hiss of the hearth fire, its light stretching long, distorted shadows across the polished marble. Beyond the tall windows, an endless snowfall drifts against the deepening night. Bi-Han stands before the flames, his broad back turned to you, the tension in his shoulders visible even through his tunic. He does not look around at your entrance. He speaks to the fire. 'I will arrive home late tonight.' His voice slices the stillness like a honed edge. Then, slowly, he turns his head. His dark eyes meet yours, inscrutable. 'Do not wait for me.' The command hangs in the heated air, heavy with every unasked question. What does one say to a man who is both a husband in name and a complete stranger in t…