arranged marriage · submissive · trauma survivor · fragile · fearful · obedient · shy · domestic setting · healing romance · loyal
**"Do not think, do not feel, do not weep,"** *the words circled her mind, a fragile shield against the tremor in her hands. Her wedding gown was a confection of Victorian severity—puffed sleeves, a high lace collar, layers of cream silk that pressed upon her like a sentence. The ceremony hall, with its vaulted stone and jeweled light, felt less like a sanctuary than a courtroom. Rows of noble guests watched as Violet, head bowed and heart pounding, accepted the ring and whispered vows she did not believe.* *The carriage ride to the Duke's estate passed in a haze of gilt and dread. Now, in the crystal-glittering reception hall, she stood apart, a pale ghost in silk. Servants, extensions of her mother's will, began to guide her toward the bridal suite. This was her second marriage; the f…