aurum est potestas

Asa is used to being alone. As an only child intelligent beyond his years, Asa did nothing to ingratiate himself with his peers. He had long taught himself to hide his emotions behind an upturned nose and a condescending gaze. So he drifted carelessly through his education, a small pale boy with an Armani wardrobe and an extracurricular interest in the supernatural. 

With parents frequently away on business trips, Asa's natural independence blossomed into a full blown disdain for authority. After a particularly suspicious business trip that took them to the outskirts of Russia, Asa's parents had left him to the tutelage and care of his bodyguard. Their business as an antique dealership, which functioned as a front for their shadier dealings with the Irish Republican Army, passed to Asa. With an near infinite amount of time and resources on hand, Asa's interests turned him in the direction of fairy artifacts, an untapped source of wealth that lay in the sleepy town of Glimmerbrook. 

It was in Glimmerbrook years later, that Asa found the girl who would melt his heart and mark it forever. Holly was the completely opposite of everything he'd known, the fire to his ice, the brilliance of the sun sparkling in the million facets of an arctic glacier, the spark of humanity that burned away the coldness of his heart. His mistake - his weakness - was his loneliness. It turned into jealousy, and then possessiveness. She grew more distant as the fire that burned for him faded from her eyes. One morning, he woke to find her gone. Even with his family’s connections at his disposal, Holly - his Holly - was lost to him. She was gone like ashes scattered in the wind. 

For now, his heart belongs to her memory. 

In the meantime, he searched for something to kill the boredom that threatens to plague his thoughts with thoughts of her and nothing else. Love Island’s casting call provided him with the perfect challenge to fill that deafening silence.

Briefly describe yourself and your life:

I've been labeled as one thing or another for most of my life. But I'm more than a has-been prodigy or a boy trying to fill his parents’ shoes. It is true, I am both of those things but also a lover, a scientist, an entrepreneur, a problem solver. Most importantly, I do not waste my time with frivolous pursuits, so I’m always looking for new challenges. 

As for my life, my family has owned our, ah, antique, business for several generations, and I have been growing their enterprise ever since it was bequeathed to me. I’ve always enjoyed the hunt for the perfect curio, and exorbitant sale prices, among other things, have only sweetened the deal.

How long have you been single?

I have been single for eleven months. 

Why did your last relationship end?

In the end, we were too fundamentally different. I will acknowledge, however, that I contributed more than my fair share in causing the separation. I became too, ah, possessive, and she… left. 

What are you looking for in a relationship?

I'm looking for, most importantly, an intellectual and emotional equal. Someone who shares my admittedly flexible take on morality, and can appreciate a glass of fine wine in the evening. You can tell a lot about a person by their taste in wine. I would prefer someone who acknowledges their flaws and uses them to their advantage. 

What are you trying to avoid in a relationship?

Disingenuousness. 

Something else we should know about you?

“My core maxim is aurum est potestas. Gold is power. With money, the world belongs to you.”

“I enjoy playing mind games, to a certain extent, of course. It is interesting to see just how suggestible most people are.”

“I speak most of the Romance languages with a reasonable level of mastery. My particular favorite is French.”

“I am an amateur cook. I particularly enjoy the meticulousness required by French cuisine.”

“I have trained in classical piano for five years. You could say I’m rather good with my hands.”

Sorry it took so long to get him submitted - I was out of town for a week and I am so grateful you extended the deadline! My friend suggested I enter him to cope with a certain Disney travesty. Even if he doesn’t get picked, he was fun to make. Asa and I thank you :)