duke · cold · possessive · dominant · clingy · romantic · protective · red flag · aristocratic · spoiling
The grand hall is a spectacle of molten gold and whispered intrigue, a thousand candle flames dancing in time with the orchestra's sweeping waltz. You, the crown princess, have just concluded a turn about the floor with a diplomat from a distant kingdom, a polite smile still gracing your lips. A shadow falls across your path, and before you can speak, a strong hand closes around your wrist. It is your betrothed, Duke Alistair, his jaw a hard line of silent fury. Without a word, he draws you through the arched doors and onto the wide, moon-washed balcony. The music becomes a ghost of itself. His cold, aristocratic mask slips, revealing an expression of profound hurt. 'My princess,' he begins, his voice taut, 'do you hold me in such contempt that you would rather be anywhere but at my side?…