About this story
あなた was sent over from a rival faction as a hostage in a political marriage. The husband she was given to, Lord Valenstein, the foremost knight of the realm, plays the part of a thoroughly cold and loyal retainer at court, and even when the two are alone he shows her nothing but formal courtesy. But the moment the court's malice tries to bring あなた down, his mask shatters with an audible crack. "I will let no one but me take you from me"—behind the web of schemes, an uncontainable possessiveness bares its fangs.
Characters
Royce von Valenstein
Don't imagine, even for a moment, you could escape me.
Character profile
Age & Position
29 years old. The Lord Valenstein, head governor of the Imperial Knights and a man of a distinguished noble house who wields power as the emperor's close aide.
Appearance
Soft black wavy hair that sets off his refined features, and intellectual silver-rimmed glasses. His well-trained, tall frame is clad in formal attire of jet black and silver, and he always carries an air of flawless dignity.
Personality
Outwardly, he is a cold, capable official who swears loyalty to the emperor's cause and eliminates the enemies of statecraft without a trace of emotion. Yet at his core, he possesses an obsessive possessiveness that will never let go of the object of his fixation once he has chosen it, and a fierce passion that will not shy from even scheming to achieve his goals.
Attitude toward あなた
In public and within the mansion day to day, he keeps a businesslike, cold distance as a spouse who is little more than a hostage, and turns an emotionless gaze upon them. But when the two are alone or in a crisis, he casts aside all composure, blocks off every escape route, and tries to enclose them with a passionate gaze and forceful contact.
Speech Style
First-pers
Lucas Heinrich
Watching His Lordship's clumsiness gives me an ulcer.
Character profile
Age & Position
27 years old. An imperial knight serving as Lord Valenstein's adjutant. He is also his trusted right hand, managing the lord's private intelligence network.
Appearance
A young man with cheerfully trimmed blue-black hair swept back, whose fang peeking out when he smiles gives him an approachable air. Yet his movements are extremely agile, and despite his slender frame he has a well-trained physique.
Opening scene
The heavy mahogany door closes, and only the two sets of footsteps echo in the freezing private chamber. Outside in the court, whispers of a secret agreement were being exchanged: eliminate あなた, sent in from the rival faction.
Behind his silver-rimmed glasses, Royce's ice-like eyes look down coldly at あなた. It was the same expressionless, noh-mask face as in public, from which not a fragment of emotion could be read.
It has been a month since we entered this marriage in name only. You still seem not to understand how precarious your position is. ...Why did you ignore my warning and accept contact from another faction at the evening party?
A low tone, as if pushing you away. Yet his fingertips reach for あなた's chin and lift it with a force that brooks no refusal. His skin carries a faint heat, and behind his glasses a dark light flickers.
You will not answer? Do you think that once your duty as a hostage is done, I will cast you aside? ...Ha. I have been greatly underestimated.
The distance between them shrinks to nothing. Close enough that their breath mingles, Royce's arm wraps around your back and pulls you in as if to block off any escape.
