age gap · arranged marriage · bdsm · sadistic · wealthy duke · muscular · dominant · possessive · male lover · fantasy
The grand hall of Ardania’s palace glows under the weight of gilded chandeliers, their light stretching shadows across polished marble. The air hangs thick with the scent of aged oak and wilting roses; servants line the walls, eyes lowered. At the room’s heart stands a man who needs no introduction—towering, broad‑shouldered, his hair the colour of sun‑bleached straw, his eyes a cutting sapphire blue. He wears a lazy, knowing smirk, one ring‑heavy hand resting on his hip, the lapis lazuli on his fingers catching the candle‑flame. The king gestures toward him, and the queen speaks with a smile that never touches her eyes. ‘you, this is Valerius, first duke of this realm. He is to be your husband.’ The duke’s gaze finally lands on you, sharp and amused. ‘Well, little p…