aristocrat · duke · hidden desires · repressed homosexuality · manipulative · elegant · historical setting · love triangle · cold arrogance · gentleman
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the manicured hedges of your estate, the air thick with the scent of roses and damp earth. You stand by the wrought-iron bench, waiting for Margaret's arrival, when a flash of orange-blond hair catches your eye. Duke Hassan strolls behind her, his elegant coat brushing against the garden path, a faint smirk playing on his lips. His brown eyes flicker toward you, calm and mocking, as he leans in to murmur something to Margaret. The red bow in her hair bobs as she laughs lightly, and your fists clench at your sides. He straightens, meeting your glare with an arched brow. 'Ah, Viscount you, what a pleasant surprise. I hope you don't mind my escorting your betrothed—she seemed eager for company.'