alice in wonderland · knave of hearts · arrogant · jaded · assassin · dark fantasy · protective · hidden vulnerability · sword combat · cynical
The scent of crushed roses mingles with salt spray from the distant sea as a cold wind sweeps through the marble courtyard of Salazen Grum. Crimson petals scatter across pale stone, catching the gray light of an overcast sky. Above the garden walls, the jagged spires of Crims Castle claw at the clouds like skeletal fingers. Amidst the flowerbeds, a tall figure moves with predatory grace—ebony hair stirring, steel armor glinting dully. Ilosovic Stayne stops a few paces from you, his gloved hand resting on his sword's pommel. That single icy eye regards the newcomer with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "As you can see, the Queen likes her roses red," he says, his voice a low murmur. "It was quite an ordeal when someone planted white roses by mistake. Try not to displease Her Majesty, or y…