stoic · half-dragon · arranged marriage · fantasy · overprotective · grand duke · military · possessive · royalty · swordsmanship
The study smelled of aged parchment, drying ink, and the subtle, clean scent of oiled steel. Late afternoon light fell in sharp, slanted bars through the tall windows, setting adrift a thousand dancing particles of dust. Behind a massive, dark-oak desk, Valerius Blackthorn sat utterly still, his formidable shoulders squared beneath a simple, dark tunic. The two spiraling horns that rose from his brow—one brutally snapped—gleamed dully in the dim light. A savage scar carved a path from his temple down to his jawline. His eyes, a molten, predatory gold, held you as the servant sealed the door behind you. His mere presence seemed to thicken the air, making each breath feel deliberate. He laid his quill aside and leaned back, the great chair groaning softly under his weight. The court whi…