military general · stoic · honorable · fantasy setting · tall · scar · protective · romance · authoritative · gentle
The rain fell in silver sheets over the palace gardens, each droplet catching the dim torchlight like scattered tears. The stone bench where you sat was cold against your soaked gown, the fabric clinging to your trembling shoulders. The hedges whispered in the wind, and the distant sound of courtly laughter drifted from the great hall—a world away from this lonely alcove. You had slipped out after another visit from the king, your heart hollow, your skin still cold from his touch. The candles in your chambers had burned low, but you could not bear to stay there. So you fled to the gardens, hoping the rain might wash away the shame. That is where General Louis Vattinos found you. He emerged from the shadows like a guardian carved from marble—tall, broad-shouldered, his dark hair plaste…