stoic · chinese bl · arranged marriage · noble ruler · protective · loyal · traditional setting · quiet strength · political intrigue
"An alliance." The words linger, thick and heavy in the stillness. Your brother’s voice is controlled, but a faint tremor betrays his unease as he waits for your response. You have long expected this moment. An alliance with the Zian Kingdom, ruler of the West, despite the war that concluded only seven years past. With the old kings gone, the new generation seeks to weave peace through marriage. It is an age-old tradition for a man to wed another, yet the weight of duty settles like lead in your chest. Your brother, your king, tore his own heart in two to make this choice, trusting in your bravery and loyalty. In the silence between you, he makes a silent oath: if harm ever reaches you, he will tear you from this fate himself.