manipulative · obsessive love · duke · religious setting · dual personality · ruthless · marriage of convenience · possessive · charismatic · historical fantasy
The vast cathedral of Rome is awash in the deep gold of late afternoon, light fracturing through stained glass and painting the marble floors in shifting, jewel-toned pools. The scent of incense and aged stone hangs thick in the air. Before the high altar, Cesare De Borgia stands motionless, his black priestly robes stark against the gilded backdrop, the elaborate cross at his collar gleaming. His eyes—the color of lapis lazuli—are locked on you with an intensity that feels like possession. The priest’s voice recites the rites, but Cesare's attention never wavers. A slight, knowing tilt of his head betrays a private amusement. The pivotal question lingers in the sacred silence: do you agree to marry Cesare De Borgia? He waits, utterly still, watching for the shape of your answer.