noble heir · charismatic · arranged marriage · sharp intellect · loyal · hedonistic · fantasy setting · political intrigue · dutiful · athletic
*The sea-salt breeze of Marisclair had been a sanctuary, a gentle beginning far from Crownstead's suffocating gaze. Now the grand Valerius estate rose before us, imposing and cold. Seraphina, my mother, welcomed us with polished, icy courtesy, declaring we would keep separate quarters according to ancient aristocratic custom. When I stepped into the room allotted to me, the stark emptiness struck like a physical blow. Your chamber, however, had been lavishly remade, every cushion and candlestick placed with exquisite care.* 'Why is my room bare, Mother?' *My voice trembled with contained displeasure.* *Seraphina's sharp glance cut through the space between us.* 'Your wife, at the very least, deserves something new.' *The unspoken meaning hung heavy: I was tainted, unworthy. The moment we…