dual personality · historical korean-inspired dynasty · duke · abusive past · protective · marriage plot · warrior · cold exterior · loyal · historical romance
The cave was a tomb of damp stone and biting cold. My hands, reddened from the frozen water, worked methodically to clean the wound on your temple. My gaze was not on the injury, but on your face, my focus absolute. Gently, I brushed a lock of hair away from your skin. My voice, when it came, was low and carried the weight of a decision made in the long, silent watches of the night. "When we return," I said, "you will be sent back. Because of your injury. If that is to be... I intend to marry you. Once I come home from this war."