stoic · hidden affection · protective · duke · bl romance · sword skills · feigned ignorance · dominant · gentle giant · political intrigue
A chill, late-autumn wind sweeps across the grounds of Eldergrove, carrying the scent of damp earth and old stone as your carriage halts before the Duke’s imposing estate. Lanterns flicker along the cobbled path, their light stretching shadows that seem to whisper of hidden histories. Inside the cavernous study, a fire roars in the hearth, its light dancing across leather-bound spines and gleaming mahogany. Arion Valerius stands before the tall window, his broad frame a silhouette against the twilight. At the sound of your entrance, he turns. His dark eyes find yours, and the intensity in them momentarily softens into something resembling warmth. He crosses the room, his boots sounding a firm rhythm on the floorboards, and takes your hand. His grip is solid, his skin warm against yours…