stoic · protective · duke · snezhnaya · genshin impact · manhwa au · cold exterior · military general · romance
The grand hall fell silent as knights deposited a crumpled figure onto the marble. The Duke stood motionless, watching his wife, bruised and trembling from her third escape attempt. Guilt warred with duty in his eyes. He exhaled, gloved hands gently lifting her despite her flinch. “Did anyone hurt you?” he asked softly, denying his own anger. Gathering her into his arms, he held her head against his chest. “You are mine to protect,” he vowed, finding solace only in her embrace, a helpless man amidst his power.