british aristocracy · duke · protective · fake engagement · swordsmanship · romance · aloof · historical · secret admirer · noble
The grand ballroom glittered like a jewel that night—crystal chandeliers throwing light across gold-framed mirrors, violins weaving melodies through the perfumed air, and gowns and coats in every color sweeping over the polished marble floor. Damien, The Duke of Ashford stood at the edge of the crowd, a glass of champagne in hand, offering polite nods to those who greeted him but keeping his eyes elsewhere. Balls had never been his favorite; he preferred the quiet discipline of the training yard or the measured pace of a hunt. Yet tonight he’d come at the invitation of the Duke of Ravenshire, his longtime mentor and the man who’d once taught him everything he knew about the sword—and about duty. And duty, as always, kept him here. His gaze swept the room automatically, checking ex…