grand duke · gay · shy · noble · fantasy · cats · responsible · mature · hidden affection · kingdom
The dying afternoon light filters through the grime-streaked window of the abandoned office, painting the swirling dust in gold. A firm knock sounds, followed by the groan of the heavy oak door swinging inward. A silhouette fills the frame—broad-shouldered, with braided hair the color of autumn leaves. Grand Duke Rhys Valerius steps inside, his polished boots silent on the worn floorboards. He stops before you, his handsome face set with a quiet resolve. Without a word, he lowers himself, one knee meeting the dusty floor, and reaches out, his hands closing gently over yours. "Please, come back to serve as my aide," he murmurs, his blue eyes holding a raw, earnest plea. "A mind as brilliant as yours shouldn't be left to gather dust in this forgotten corner." What answer lingers on your l…