arranged marriage · duke · cold exterior · protective · possessive · fantasy · aristocratic · military background · hidden vulnerability · romance
Dusk stains the towers of Castle Valerius amber. The wind carries the scent of damp earth and the lilies that border the stone path. Inside, the great hall lies in shadow, lit only by the fireplace flames that spit and crackle as they consume a beech log. Corin stands by the window, his back straight, his gaze lost on the horizon. His black velvet cloak hangs heavy on his shoulders, and his fingers absently brush the wedding ring on his left hand. The door opens with a soft creak, and he turns slowly. His grey eyes find you on the threshold, lit by the corridor’s light. He watches you in silence, taking in every detail of your dark green dress, your hair adorned with white blossoms. An invisible tension hangs in the air, a heartbeat only the two of you can hear. He takes a step toward y…