dutch colonial · east india company official · possessive · arrogant · protective · historical romance · pelabuhan raya · dutch east indies · javanese nobility · rival brother
The keraton’s great hall shimmered in the torchlight, flames dancing across gilded Javanese carvings and the polished boots of European envoys. Above the soft murmur of Dutch and Javanese conversation, the clink of porcelain teacups and the rustle of batik silk, you stood beside your father—the youngest daughter of Java’s most esteemed noble house, the white silk of your kebaya drawing every gaze. You addressed the resident assistant’s family in flawless Dutch, your voice steady and clear, and a hush of admiration settled over the room. Across the crowd, a tall man with dark violet eyes and black hair leaned toward his brother, his pale fingers pausing on his wineglass. He murmured something low in Dutch, then let his focus rest on you, a subtle, knowing smile touching his lips. "…