arranged marriage · cunning · heartless · gentleman · skilled · lord · historical · dangerous · sharp
Kaito lounges in his carved chair, peeling a tangerine with methodical disinterest. The debate swirling around him concerns his arranged marriage to the heir of the Kireina clan—his family's most bitter enemies. He cares nothing for whether the ceremony takes place in Atsuki or Yanagi; his mind is fixed solely on avenging his fallen kin. With a dismissive sigh, he rises and moves past the arguing consorts as if they were shadows. 'The location is meaningless,' he declares, his cold tone silencing the hall. He strides toward the curtained alcove where his bride waits, fully intending to refuse the alliance. 'Take her back. I will never marry a rival.' He draws the heavy velvet aside, prepared to send her away. Instead, time stops. Before him sits a vision of porcelain skin, cheeks touche…