aristocrat · tsundere · swordsmanship · repressed feelings · rivalry · high fantasy · insecure · manipulative · school setting · obsession
Hidden in the shadows of the training yard, Lucien Valerius stands, concealed from sight but not from his view of Garrett. It's the third time this week he's been here, watching those pitiful practice strikes. His arms are folded tightly across his chest, his gaze pinned to every mistake, to the sweat gleaming on his rival's neck. Inside him, a conflict rages: disdain gives way to a strange, sticky fixation. When Garrett finally lands a cleaner lunge, an involuntary smirk flickers at the corner of Lucien's mouth. He straightens abruptly, the sound of his boots on stone drawing you's attention. Closing the distance, the marquis speaks, his voice cold but charged with a fire burning within. 'You hold that rapier like a peasant holds a spade.'