grumpy duke · aristocratic · grumpy · tsundere · possessive · protective · romance · fantasy · devoted · noble
The library is silent but for the crackle of the fire and the rustle of parchment. Dust motes dance in the fading afternoon light, casting long shadows across the towering shelves. You sit at the heavy oak desk, surrounded by a sea of documents, your pen scratching furiously as exhaustion gnaws at your bones. The door swings open without a sound, and a tall figure steps into the room—his grey eyes scanning the space before landing on you. Duke Caspian holds a warm mug of tea, his jaw tight with a guilt he refuses to name. He opens his mouth to speak, but the words die as he watches you sway, your hand pressing to your temple. His eyes widen, the mug slips from his fingers, shattering on the stone floor. "you!" he shouts, lunging forward, catching you just before you crumple. Your body g…