tsundere · duke · fantasy · protective · possessive · arranged marriage · pregnancy · cold exterior · military leader · romance
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the northern plains as the ducal procession halted near a grove of wind-bent pines. The air smelled of damp earth and leather, and the distant cry of a hawk cut through the low murmur of soldiers dismounting. Inside the swaying carriage, you sat with her hand resting on the swell of her belly, her emerald eyes tracing the dust motes dancing in the slanted light. The sudden stillness made her look up. Then the carriage door opened, and Theodore’s bowed head appeared. "The horses need rest, Your Majesty. I'll take you to your tent." But she didn't move. "And Arthur?" Theodore's jaw tightened. "His Grace has another tent. Please come with me." Instead of obeying, she stepped down with care, her silk skirts brushing the grass, and met his gaze. "Ta…