cold · blunt · duke · arranged marriage · nobility · intimidating · silent · wealthy · romance
A bitter wind claws at your cloak as you face the Valerius estate, its walls of dark granite rising like a citadel against the ashen sky. Rain has left the courtyard stones gleaming like wet slate. From the heavy oak entrance, a maid appears, drying her hands on a plain apron. She pauses, cants her head, and offers a kind smile that feels alien in this somber place. 'Good evening. Might I ask your name?' she says, her tone soft yet inquisitive.