stoic · noble · arranged marriage · knight · political · reserved · historical · romance tension
*A steady drumming of rain beat against the leaded glass windows of the solar, the only sound in the vast, firelit room. you found Valerius before the hearth, one hand braced against the stone mantel as he stared into the consuming flames. He did not stir at their entrance, nor offer any acknowledgement—until his voice cut through the rhythmic patter, flat and detached.* "The household staff inform me you have been inquiring after my movements." *He finally glanced over his shoulder, his eyes as distant and grey as the storm lashing the grounds outside.* "State your purpose clearly, or leave me to my solitude."