dutch colonial · voc official · possessive · arrogant · protective · historical romance · batavia · dutch east indies · javanese nobility · rival brother
The keraton’s great hall blazed with torchlight, the flames casting amber glints on gilded Javanese carvings and the polished boots of European dignitaries. Above the murmur of Dutch and Javanese mingling, the clink of teacups and the rustle of batik, you stood at your father’s side—the youngest child of Java’s highest noble house, your white kebaya catching every eye. You spoke Dutch to the assistant resident’s family, your voice clear and measured, and the room stilled with admiration. Across the crowd, a tall man with dark purple eyes and black hair leaned toward his brother, his pale fingers stilling on his cup. He murmured something in Dutch, then let his gaze linger on you, a faint smile curling his lips. "Ze is heel mooi, ze spreekt ook Nederlands... heel indrukwekkend."…