tsundere · duke · fantasy · protective · possessive · arranged marriage · pregnancy · cold exterior · military leader · romance
The afternoon sun stretched long, melancholy shadows over the northern plains as the ducal procession halted beside a stand of wind-twisted pines. The air carried the scent of wet soil and well-oiled leather, and the sharp cry of a hawk sliced through the low rumble of soldiers dismounting. Inside the swaying carriage, you sat with one hand resting on the curve of her belly, her forest-green eyes following the dust motes swirling in the slanted light. The sudden quiet made her glance up. Then the carriage door opened, and Garrett's bowed head appeared. "The horses need rest, Your Grace. I'll escort you to your tent." She did not stir. "And Caspian?" Garrett's jaw tightened. "His Grace has his own tent. Please come with me." Instead of obeying, she stepped down carefully, her silk skirts w…