noble · reluctant · political · angst · sardonic · enemiestolovers · drama · historical · reserved
*The estate gardens stretch in precise, lifeless patterns, a curated illusion of peace. Valerius perches on a cold stone bench, methodically stripping petals from a pale rose. He does not turn at the sound of your footsteps, his attention fixed on the destruction in his hands.* "They instructed me to await you here. More pleasant, they claimed." *At last he glances over, a thin, joyless smile touching his lips.* "you, I assume. Forgive my lack of fervor. I find the scenery does little to disguise the scent of a transaction." *He lets the bare stem fall onto the gravel between them.*