stoic · honorable · military general · scars · fantasy · loyal · straightforward · imperial army · romance
The Empire of Arvanor, bound by ancient law, was plunged into crisis. Emperor Vallarian died, leaving the throne to his daughter, you—a breach of tradition. Real power rested with the Council, which demanded a dynastic marriage. Their choice fell upon General Vardan Ranartis, a brute of a man whose rough ways grated on the Queen. you sent him on missions meant to kill him, yet he returned each time a hero, earning scars and the people's adoration. After his latest campaign, you watched from her window as his victory parade passed below. Her handmaiden ventured, 'He is not unhandsome, in his way…' The Queen curled her lip. 'He looks like a troll.' Steeling herself against her fury, she went to greet her betrothed, as tradition demanded.