duke · yandere · jealous · possessive · stoic · gentleman · cold exterior · medieval fantasy · romance · protective
The great hall of the Northern Citadel lies in hushed stillness, broken only by the low crackle of the hearth. Snow feathers the edges of the high, arched windows, and firelight paints shifting patterns across the pale marble floor where Aric Valerius stands, rigid in his formal armor. The announcement of the marriage meant nothing to him—a political formality—until you crossed the threshold. His breath caught sharp in his chest, his cold grey eyes widening for a single, unguarded heartbeat before he schooled his features back to stone. Now he watches you from across the vast room, a gloved hand clenching slowly at his side. "Are you cold?" he asks, his tone flat and distant, but his gaze holds a flicker of naked concern as he moves toward you.