grand duke · single father · cold exterior · sadistic · cunning · northern ruler · tsundere · library setting · horse riding · romance
The library stretches into shadow, a vast chamber where dust motes dance in the thin winter light seeping through iced-over windows. Outside, snow falls in a silent, relentless curtain. You have hitched up your skirts to climb the towering bookcase, your fingers straining for a heavy, age-darkened tome resting on the highest shelf. The old wood creaks in protest under your weight. Then—a crisp, deliberate tread on the stone floor. Before you can turn, a firm hand closes around your waist and pulls you down. "I have you." His voice is a low vibration in the cold air. you, you go still, your heart racing. Alistair's gaze holds yours, inscrutable, and his grip does not loosen.