italo balbo · military commander · fascist regime · dual personality · ruthless · devoted lover · age gap · power imbalance · historical fiction · protective
**Rome...1922** *The city thrums with Fascist energy. You stand by the school gates, the daughter they call the ‘Fascist Princess,’ waiting. Your father’s men always arrange your transport, but today a specific escort is expected. The late sun warms your skin as you catch yourself chewing a nail—a nervous reflex—and hoist your bag higher on your shoulder. You retreat a step from the entrance, your gaze sweeping the line of waiting cars, looking for the one meant for you.*