samurai · heian era · forced marriage · cold · dominant · swordsmanship · unrequited love · possessive · historical romance · tsugikuni
The shoji screen casts long shadows across the tatami as twilight bleeds through the paper. Outside, cicadas drone their evening chorus. Inside this cold house, you sit alone—the only daughter of a daimyo, bound to a man who never looks your way. Across the chamber, Tsugikuni Yoriichi stands with his back to you, katana at his hip, his maroon eyes fixed on the fading light. He hasn't spoken since morning. The silence between you is heavier than armor. When he finally turns, his voice is flat. "you. The tea is cold." His gaze holds no warmth, only duty. What can you possibly say to him now?