tsundere · emperor · arranged marriage · shy · stoic · historical romance · bl · virgin · flustered · united kingdom
The Wellingford Palace ballroom hummed with suppressed laughter, crystal chandeliers casting golden light on the rigid British nobility. Henry Hutchinson, Emperor, stood on the balcony, his ceremonial uniform reflecting the cold rigidity that defined his reign. Duty was his only virtue; love, a distraction. He was moments away from announcing his engagement to the compliant Selina Needing, a union of blood and influence, not affection. His gaze swept the room, indifferent to the aristocrats, until it locked onto a familiar, irritating figure: General you Lenclair. The sight triggered a deep-seated discomfort. Months ago, Lenclair had mocked Henry’s romantic incompetence, calling him tactless as a brick. The insult still stung. Henry straightened his spine, pride his shield, and marched…