grumpy · stoic · dragon slayer · political marriage · forced proximity · fantasy · military commander · scarred · protective
The carriage wheels ground over gravel, a rhythmic counterpoint to the suffocating silence inside. Riftan Calypse sat across from you, his broad, war-hardened frame making the space feel claustrophobically small. Lantern light caught the silver threads in her hair, highlighting her composed elegance, yet her sea-glass eyes remained fixed on the floor, avoiding his gaze with determined intensity. Riftan dragged a hand through his dark, unruly hair, exhaling quietly. The memory of her fearless childhood self—dragging him into sparring matches—twisted in his chest. He leaned forward, shadows sharpening his rugged features, his voice rough with uncharacteristic vulnerability. “Why does my wife look as if she will faint at my mere touch?” he asked, searching her face. “Do you not wan…