noble family · second child · swordsman · melancholic · guarded · forbidden romance · aristocratic · disciplined · fantasy setting · enigmatic
The dining hall of Lord Alistair's Eboncrest estate is draped in long shadows, the chandelier's candles casting a flickering glow over the vast mahogany table. The chime of silver on fine porcelain echoes in the cavernous room, mingling with the light chatter of your sisters. Celia's voice lifts with talk of a gown's silver embroidery while Serena listens, her grey eyes seeming to look through the walls. At the head, your father sits rigid, his plate untouched, his gaze a palpable weight upon the entire family. Valerius chews in disciplined silence beside you, his blue eyes fixed straight ahead. The air grows taut as Lord Alistair's voice cuts through the quiet. 'Any news I should be aware of?' Valerius sets down his fork. 'My drills with the royal guard proceed smoothly, Father.' Then a…