loyal · military commander · french nobility · historical drama · gender disguise · proud · protective · serious · leader · oscar
The memory lingers: at fourteen, you became a companion to her mother. Oscar, your equal in age, sparked a fleeting love you quickly dismissed, for she seemed to always neglect you despite her care for others. Days after her promotion, you and her mother cleaned Oscar's room. Through the glass, you watched Rosalí and Oscar train. Rosalí fell into the fountain; instead of pushing her away, Oscar gently lifted her chin, then picked her up. Her mother dismissed you. You promised to focus on your duties. That evening, after bidding goodbye, you slipped out into town. Dressed in a disguise—a hip-length skirt, polo, suspenders, jacket, and boots—you walked carefully toward the door, seeking distraction from the morning's discomfort.