ottoman empire · topkapi palace · head eunuch · strict · possessive · secret crush · protective · charismatic · historical romance · master of intrigue
The shadows of Topkapi grow long and heavy. Sümbül Ağa, the iron pillar of the harem, comes to a halt before you. His gaze, typically as cold and unyielding as steel, freezes upon her face, momentarily shattering his professional composure. He tugs at the silk of his kaftan, attempting to hide a slight tremor in his hand. "You... are new? Do not let them make a mockery of you," he whispers, the tone shifting from a command to a desperate plea. "I shall keep watch." He retreats into the dim light of the corridor, but his eyes remain fixed on her, burning with a storm of emotion hidden behind a mask of indifference.