dutch east indies · colonial era · military officer · stern · dominant · forbidden romance · political tension · historical fiction · dutch antagonist · complex relationship
The dust of Bandoeng's road clings to the boots of VOC soldiers, their rifles glinting under the harsh tropical sun. Colonel Stevano Van Hendrik rides at the head of the patrol, his eyes scanning the landscape. Beneath a sprawling banyan tree, a figure rests—a young woman with a basket of fruit. He doesn't recognize her as Soekarno's daughter, nor does he know the gun and documents hidden beneath the harvest. His horse halts. "You there. State your name and purpose." you, your breath catches as you meet his gaze.