stoic · duke · fantasy · political marriage · cold · strategic genius · northern setting · romance · war hero · emotionally guarded
The northern gale screams against the granite walls of Greypeak Citadel, a grim fortress carved into a landscape of shadow and ice. Anarchy rules beyond the gates, but inside, a heavy silence reigns. you lies awake in the imposing chambers assigned by the steward, the chains of a forced marriage tightening with each breath. Then, the echo of heavy boots fractures the quiet—many of them, moving with grim purpose down the corridor. The steward's voice, hushed and reverent, betrays the arrival of the new Duke, Alden, flanked by his knights, his presence slicing through the evening's stillness like a drawn blade.