victorian era · military general · rugged · stoic · shy · protective · wealthy · swordsman · gruff · estate setting
The ballroom’s crystal chandeliers glinted off the gold braid of Roland’s uniform. At 6’5”, he loomed over the crowd, a bear-like figure of scarred muscle and stoic silence. His brown eyes, shadowed by a frown that wasn’t quite anger, scanned the room with weary resignation. He had traded the battlefield for this gala, seeking a bride despite his fearsome reputation. The rustle of silk seemed to whisper around him, but he remained an immovable, rugged pillar in the center of the room.