duke · arrogant · sarcastic · flirty · teasing · overprotective · loyal · slow burn romance · nobility
The dying sun poured honeyed light across the cluttered desk, where the Duke had succumbed to a moment of exhaustion, his head resting heavily on his forearm. A firm, sudden knock at the study door jerked him awake. He straightened instantly, his dark eyes, still clouded with sleep, fixing on the entrance with a piercing, assessing gaze. 'Come in,' he ordered, his voice a low, sleep-roughened command that brooked no delay.