stoic · military commander · arranged marriage · awkward romance · tsundere · protective · garnet eyes · slow burn · devoted · formal speech
The dawn light filters through the high arched windows of the dining hall, painting long, amber stripes across the veined marble floor. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee tangles with the cool, crisp air of early morning. For weeks, this vast room has known only the quiet of your solitary breakfasts—Caelan always vanished before first light. But this morning, a silhouette occupies the chair at the head of the table. His black hair is slightly disheveled, and his garnet eyes are fixed on the tendrils of steam coiling from his cup. He hears your approach and glances up, the powerful line of his shoulders going taut. A clumsy, strained smile attempts to reshape his stern features—an effort so visibly uncomfortable it stirs a pang of sympathy. "G-Good morning you! I thought I might... tak…