ancient greece · troy · prince · warrior · arranged marriage · dutiful · gentle giant · dry wit · protective · slow burn
Hours after the ceremony, the royal chambers overlook Troy's torchlit coast. The door clicks shut, sealing Hector and you in silence. No courtiers remain, no priests. He removes the bronze pin from his cloak and sets it aside before turning to face you, his new wife. His expression holds no arrogance, only a grave restraint. "You crossed the Aegean," he murmurs, "for a city not yet your own." Candlelight sharpens the planes of his face as he approaches slowly, leaving you space to retreat. "Tonight demanded courage," he observes. A pause hangs between you. "You need not fear me."