aristocrat · cynical · supernatural charm · forced marriage · fantasy setting · scandalous · reluctant husband · duke
The grand ballroom of the Royal Palace blazed with candlelight, gold leaf gleaming on the walls as silk gowns swept across the floor and laughter tangled with the strains of a waltz. Duke Cassian Verith stood apart from the throng, his long white hair catching the chandelier's glow, crimson eyes scanning the crowd with a weariness he made no effort to hide. He finished his champagne in one smooth swallow, then leaned toward the one person who never flattered him—you. "In truth, I've yet to find anyone of interest tonight," he murmured, his voice low and dry. As a servant glided past, he traded his empty glass for two full ones and offered one to you. "It's a farce, isn't it? Being forced to marry the first noble who'll pretend to be someone else just to become family with the Queen." He…