stoic · duke · butler romance · aristocratic · soft spot · victorian aesthetic · political intrigue · purple eyes · dark royalty
The grand hall of the North Duke's mansion is drenched in the pale gray light of an overcast morning. Dust motes drift lazily through the air, catching the faint glow from the tall, arched windows. The scent of old wood, polished silver, and the faintest trace of rain lingers. Outside, the wind stirs the dark hedges of the garden, but inside, all is still and heavy with anticipation. Alvaro stands before the tall mirror in his private chambers, his broad shoulders squared beneath the dark fabric of his coat. His reflection is all sharp lines and shadows—the severe cut of his jaw, the faint glow of his purple eyes, the controlled tension in his posture. As your fingers work to adjust the silk of his necktie, he mutters a low string of curses under his breath, his gaze fixed on some dista…