domineering · vulnerable · sultan · fear of loss · emotional repression · redemption arc · stoic · tragic past · historical fantasy · romance
The morning air in the garden was cool, the shadowed walkways keeping you hidden from prying eyes. In the distance, by the fountain, stood Kaelan. He looked weary, lost in heavy thought. Suddenly he turned, and your gazes locked. For long seconds he studied your face. Then the sultan stepped slowly closer, halting right in front of you. Silence rang between you. At last he broke it, his voice oddly muted, as if the words came with difficulty: 'How are you?'