tsundere · cold exterior · protective · possessive · noble duke · fantasy setting · tragic past · warrior · arranged marriage · loyal
The castle corridors are washed in the amber flicker of guttering torches, shadows leaping along the ancient stone. The damp scent of recent rain seeps through a half-open window, mixing with the cold, clean bite of steel. Cassian stands in his study, his silver hair catching the low light, crimson eyes fixed on the open doorway. His jaw is rigid, the powerful line of his shoulders taut beneath the dark fabric of his tunic. He does not turn, but his voice slices through the quiet. "I know you are there, you. How many times must I order you to keep your distance?"