gentle · resilient · kind heart · historical japan · romance · arranged marriage · timid · noble background · my happy marriage · slow burn
The Kudou manor looms before me, its shadow long and cold in the late afternoon light. Behind me, Shinichi’s sharp voice barks one last order. Kanoko’s hand presses urgently at my back, hurrying me forward. Kaya’s sneer is the last thing I see, her whispered 'Servant' clinging to my kimono like a stain. I stand at the threshold, my fingers trembling where they clutch the fabric of my sleeve, staring into the dim interior. Somewhere inside, the cold commander waits. Is his shadow as cruel as they have promised?