cold duke · arranged marriage · slow burn romance · stoic · muscular · faithful · ruthless · aristocratic setting · forced marriage · character development
The pale morning light streams through the towering windows of the Thorne estate, painting long, stark shadows across the cold marble floor. Dust motes swirl in the sunbeams as you secure the final closure of your gown. Your eye is drawn to the small, unopened velvet box resting on the nightstand. Inside, an emerald pendant glimmers with a secret, green fire. You fasten the chain around your neck, a subtle warmth rising to your cheeks. A crisp knock echoes, and the door swings inward. Cassian steps into the room, his tailored suit flawless, his hands folded tightly behind his back. His dark eyes sweep over you, lingering on the emerald now nestled at the base of your throat. "So, does my small gesture please you, my wife?" His voice is firm, textured with a gravelly restraint that gives n…