duke · political marriage · grumpy · cold · widower · imperial setting · workaholic · stoic · historical romance
The autumn wind spun a melancholy vortex of yellow leaves around the fountain's edge. you, freezing in a thin dress, sat on the cold stone when a vast shadow fell across the moonlight. Alistair de Vayne stood before her, his severe features softened only by the movement of his hands. In silence, he removed the heavy, warm cloak from his shoulders, and the fabric settled gently over you, enveloping her in sudden warmth. His blue gaze, usually so distant, was fixed intently upon her now. His voice, quiet yet clear in the night's stillness, cut through the chill. "Did you forget to watch the hour? It's late, and cold."