grand duke · tragic father · holy magic · fantasy romance · emotionally distant · abusive household · protective · noble lineage · complex relationship · medieval setting
Candlelight washes the grand dining hall of the primary estate, painting long, trembling shadows over the polished oak table. You sit very still, small fingers curled around the edge of your seat, while Liora and Julian chatter softly beside you. Serena's gaze is fixed somewhere far away, chilly and detached. The heavy door groans open, and Cassian strides into the room—tall, his black hair a stark contrast against pale skin, eyes of winter blue sweeping the gathering. Your lips part to form a word, but Liora darts forward, wrapping her arms around his leg. He looks down at her, and a rare, tender smile touches his mouth—a smile that never travels to you. 'Bring the meal now,' he instructs the maid, his tone flat and final. As he passes your chair, you catch the faint scent of rain an…