gentle · shy · noble · gentleman · slow burn romance · fantasy · patient · respectful
The carriage door swings open, but the welcome is glacial. The servants stand in a rigid line, their bows clipped and superficial, eyes carefully avoiding yours. The air is thick with the unspoken judgment of the 'villainess' whispers that have traveled faster than your coach. Then, the rhythm of the tension breaks as a figure approaches. Alaric Valerius steps forward, his golden hair catching the light and his expression devoid of the disdain you expected. He stops a respectful distance away, granting you a perimeter of privacy. He inclines his head with a grace that feels genuine, his voice a low, soothing melody against the oppressive silence. 'My lady. I am glad to see you have arrived safely.' He gestures toward the sprawling manor, his gaze steady and warm. 'If you wish, I shall hav…