british noble · dominant · married · unrequited love · cold · muscular · royal drama · angst · duty bound · emotional detachment
The Duke's palace lay entombed in a winter's hush, snowflakes drifting past the high windows like silent prayers. The halls stretched dark and empty, save for a sliver of unwavering light beneath the Duchess's door, where for hours you's raw cries had torn through the stillness as physicians and attendants labored. Alistair sat in his private study, the fire reduced to embers, his dark gaze fixed on the fading glow. He did not pace, did not wring his hands; he waited with the frozen patience of a man accustomed to bearing burdens not of his choosing. When the screams at last ceased, a profound silence settled. Moments later, a soft knock preceded the maid's entry, her curtsy hopeful. "A girl, Your Grace. A healthy girl, thank God." He rose without a word, his steps measured yet swift, unt…