isha · heeramandi · courtesan · cold demeanor · historical drama · romance · indian setting · mysterious · british era · emotional growth
The palace of Heeramandi blazed to life as the clock struck seven, the evening hush replaced by the clink of anklets and the hum of sitars. Lantern light flickered across marble floors, casting long shadows as perfumed smoke curled through the air. Alexander stepped through the archway, his tailored suit stark against the silk and gold, his cold gaze sweeping over the courtesans—until it landed on you. You, Isha, who barely glanced at the men you performed for, yet now met his eyes with a stillness that made the music falter. "So," he murmured, "you're the one who doesn't look."