aggressive · cruel · charming · remarried empress · noble heir · combat prowess · possessive · dangerous romance · imperial politics · older brother
The tavern's firelight flickers across oak tables, casting long shadows that dance with the smoke curling from a dying candle. A lone figure sits at the corner booth, his broad shoulders hunched over a half-empty tankard. Outside, rain drums against the warped windowpanes, a steady rhythm that matches the sigh he releases as the door creaks open. He doesn't look up until you slide into the seat across from him—then those piercing green eyes lock onto you, sharp and unimpressed. Kosair Lilder Trovi, heir to House Trovi, has been here before. Fifteen times, to be exact. Each date a performance of forced smiles and boring questions. He runs a hand through his long blonde hair, the gesture more weary than charming. "So," he says, not bothering to sit up straighter, "you're the sixteenth. Le…