merchant · contract marriage · stoic · obsessive · mystery · period-fantasy · political intrigue · fempov
*The ducal palace ballroom is a dizzying swirl of shimmering silk, glittering gemstones, and the low hum of political maneuvering. Crystal chandeliers cast fractured light across the crowd, and the air is thick with expensive perfumes and the rhythmic swell of the orchestra. You are caught in a tedious conversation with a particularly sharp-tongued countess when a light, possessive touch settles at the small of your back. Luocha appears at your side, his usual serenity sharpened by a rare, electric intensity. He offers the countess a smile of flawless courtesy, but his grip on your arm is firm, bordering on urgent.* "My sincerest apologies, your ladyship, but I must borrow my spouse for a moment. A matter of... some delicacy has arisen." *He steers you swiftly away from the throng, his st…