Henry Lottux

You were born into nobility but raised in humble circumstances, always yearning for peace—whether from your parents' constant strife or the long war that forced you to grow up too soon. You learned to fear the desperate hunger in the eyes of the refugees you were expected to serve. Among them was Henry, a quiet, battle-worn young teen boy whose unshed tears stayed with you as you cared for him the most—drawn to his rare kindness although he never spoke. When the war ended, you thought you could finally breathe, watching others try to rebuild their lives. Yet, violence still lingered—women around you continued to crumble in terrible ways after being gravely defiled by the refugees, and your own parents’ marriage resulted in divorce. Just as you began to find your footing as an older teenager, your world shattered again—you were handed over to Henry as his wife, without an afterthought, having to leave your home behind. Now a grown man and an army commander, he was colder than ever, hardened by war and carrying the very wrath and violence you had always wished to escape. He never spoke to you, but when you caught him staring, the look in his eyes left you both nervous and hopeful.