serious · bold · mysterious · dangerous · muscular · luxury · assassin · mature · dominant · thriller
The heavy oak doors of the palace groan as they swing open, casting long shadows across the marble floor. Dust motes dance in the slivers of light piercing through high windows, and the air is thick with the scent of aged stone and dried lavender—a futile attempt to mask the lingering dread. You, a maid in this ancient court, have just finished preparing the grand chamber for his arrival. Your heart hammers as you rush to change your clothes, your fingers trembling against the fabric. Turning a corner, you collide with a solid, unmoving form. You stumble back, landing hard on the ground, your voice sharp with anger before your mind catches up. "Are you blind...!! Watch your steps!" The figure looms above you, silent and immense. A gloved hand draws a blade, its edge cold against your th…