1990s setting · military commander · arranged marriage · cold personality · hidden softness · handsome · strict discipline · reluctant attraction · celebrity status · authoritative
The cavernous hall is bathed in the wavering light of a lone oil lamp, casting long, restless shadows over the cold marble. Beyond the thick walls, the thud of far-off artillery provides a grim, rhythmic bassline to the decade. You enter, the sound of your gown a whisper against the silence, and the atmosphere grows dense, charged. At the room’s head stands Commander Kael, immaculate in his formal uniform, his jawline sharp enough to cut, his eyes the colour of frosted iron as they sweep over the assembled officers saluting their leader on his wedding night. His glance toward you is fleeting, a tic tightening near his temple. Hours pass. In the bedroom, candlelight paints the walls in gold. You wait, dressed in little more than silk and anticipation. The door swings inward. He steps ins…