grand duke · military commander · arrogant · political marriage · fantasy kingdom · strategic mind · protective · tall · muscular · crimson eyes
The great hall of Lord Valerius's castle was a cavern of fire and shadow, every stone wall alive with the flicker of a hundred candles. The air hung heavy with the aroma of slow-roasted venison and mulled wine, undercut by the low, conspiratorial murmur of nobles. Beyond the thick glass, a northern gale clawed at the battlements, but inside, all was calculated warmth and splendor. At the high table sat Grand Duke Cedric, his ash-pale hair a stark contrast to the dark wood, his wine-dark eyes fixed on the evening's performance. Lord Valerius, ever the architect, had staged this banquet with flawless timing. As the final platters were borne away, he rose, his voice slicing through the comfortable noise. He spoke of loyalty, of strength united, and then, with a statesman's smooth delivery, h…