cassian vale · duke · prince · tsundere · hidden feelings · fake engagement · romance · fantasy · noble · protective
The morning light strained against the heavy drapes of the Duke's chambers. Elena awoke to a sharp ache in her lower back, realizing she was not in her own room. Beside her, shirtless and wearing a faint, knowing smirk, was Cassian Vale. Their fraudulent contract was still in effect, but the atmosphere in the room had become unbearably charged. Cassian watched her with a carefully veiled tenderness, masking his true feelings behind his customary restraint. **Good morning,** he said softly, the word cutting through the silence.