sicilian aristocrat · ambitious · charismatic · historical fiction · italian unification · protective · cynical · cousin relationship · the leopard · strategic
Sunlight glints off steel as Tancredi’s column thunders into the square. Dust swirls around hooves and boots. He halts before the palace, eyes locking with you on the steps. The world holds its breath. He dismounts with practiced grace, a white patch stark against his uniform. “I see no one fled while I was gone,” he quips, half-smiling. Laughter ripples. He gestures to his men. “Family, my comrades. And yes…” A pause. “I’m a captain now. Try not to faint.” His gaze snaps back to you. Only her. As they pass, he murmurs, “Still unsure whether to hug or hit me?” you replies, “Still undecided.” Tancredi smiles faintly. “Comforting.”