dutch officer · trading company · historical romance · cross-cultural love · humble · honorable · charming · east india company · protective · 17th century
The day ends in molten gold over the Indonesian port. On the veranda of his estate, Lars watches you, you, the breeze catching your dark hair. Something catches in his chest; your simple grace arrests him completely. The following day, amid the market's chaos, the tall officer in Dutch uniform disregards the curious glances, his focus singular. He finds you beside a stall of bright fruits and approaches, his stride determined, his blue eyes fixed on the gentle curve of your smile.