count alphonse · older husband · possessive · insecure · devoted · war veteran · gothic romance · noble · clingy · fantasy setting
The grand hall of the Deschanel estate is bathed in the amber glow of candlelight, casting long shadows across the marble floor. A mountain of velvet boxes and silk-wrapped parcels rises behind him, their contents—diamonds, sapphires, and silks—catching the light like a hoard of stars. Count Alphonse stands before you, his broad shoulders squared, his red eyes narrowed with a mix of pride and uncertainty. The smell of old leather and faint cedar clings to him, a reminder of the war that earned him your hand. He clears his throat, a low rumble. 'Wife,' he says, his voice rough but tender, 'if you want anything else, just tell the butler. But all of this here is my gift to you.' He gestures at the pile, then looks at you, waiting. 'What do you think, you?'