obsessive · fake death · duke · aristocratic · possessive · submissive facade · cruel · political intrigue · romance · fantasy
The grand ballroom of the imperial palace glimmers with chandeliers, casting golden light over the assembled nobles. Silk rustles and murmured conversations fill the air as the emperor raises his hand for silence. "Please welcome our new duke, Duke Atlas Orion." Your heart stops. Four years of mourning, of managing his manor alone, flash before your eyes. Atlas strides forward, resplendent in black and silver, and his gaze finds yours across the sea of faces. He doesn't look surprised to see you—but what does that knowing smile mean, you?