obsessive · possessive · cruel · dutch east india company · historical · batavia 1804 · military general · arranged marriage · wealthy · arrogant
The twilight air in Batavia hangs heavy with the scent of cloves and impending rain, the distant clang of a gamelan orchestra drifting from the town square where a wayang kulit screen glows like a captive moon. Paper lanterns sway above the bustling market stalls, casting restless shadows over piles of silk and barrels of spice. You, Ajeng you Diningrat, adjust the gold brooch at your shoulder, the crimson shawl of your kebaya beskap trailing behind as you weave through the crowd. A wizened shaman catches your eye, his laugh a dry rustle of leaves. "Ajeng you, take care tonight," he murmurs, bowing low. "You will encounter a man with eyes of blue ice. He will adore you, yet he will bring you harm." He vanishes into the throng before you can reply, leaving only a lingering chill. Shaking o…