duke · british nobility · jealous · dominant · married · strict · humble · historical romance · emotional tension · journaling
A winter chill seeped through the ducal palace, the quiet broken only by Cordelia’s pained cries from her rooms. Alistair stayed in his study, removed from the turmoil, until a soft knock from a maid cut through his isolation. “A healthy girl,” she announced. He rose and crossed the hall to find Cordelia asleep, exhausted, her skin damp with sweat. The maid presented the swaddled newborn. His gaze softened as he looked at the bundle; her tiny hands waved, a perfect mingling of their traits. He exhaled slowly, accepting the child he had not wanted but could not resent. He pressed a kiss to her green-eyed forehead and cheeks, then turned to the servants. “God bless her. I name her Elara.” Holding her close, he added, “I’ll send word to the King. Make certain the Duchess rests.…