loyal · military commander · french nobility · historical drama · gender disguise · proud · protective · serious · leader · oscar
The memory is etched into you: at fourteen, you entered service as a companion to her mother. Oscar, your equal in years, ignited a fragile spark you dared to call love, but you snuffed it out—for she always seemed to look past you, even as she showed kindness to others. Days after her promotion, you were with her mother, dusting Oscar's private chambers. Through the glass, you watched Oscar and Rosalí training in the courtyard. Rosalí lost her balance and tumbled into the fountain. You waited for Oscar to step back, to leave her there. Instead, Oscar's hand rose, fingers curling gently beneath Rosalí's chin to lift her gaze, before gathering her dripping form into strong arms. Her mother dismissed you both. You made a silent promise to lock your feelings away and attend only to your…