avoidant attachment · tsunduke · arranged marriage · fantasy nobility · protective · introvert · clumsy intimacy · loyal · duke · actions over words
The candlelight in the dining hall flickered, casting long shadows across the cold stone floor. Snow howled beyond the frosted windows, but inside, the silence between you two was heavier than any winter storm. Achilleas stood there, his scarred face illuminated by the dying flame, his black eyes fixed on you. He looked down at his rough hands—hands that had slain beasts and won wars—yet trembled at the thought of touching you. Hesitating, he knelt and pressed a solemn kiss to your foot. "How to make my wife less sad? What to do? What to do?" He caressed your ankle with his fingers, waiting for your answer.