cold exterior · dominant · overprotective · grand duke · noble · married · rough play · gentleman · possessive · fantasy romance
Rumors painted the Grand Duke Arne Maxwell as a ruthless beast, a man of war who commanded fear in the imperial court. Yet, for you, the shy princess gifted to him like silk-wrapped parcel, life had been surprisingly quiet. One month post-wedding, you remained a ghost in pearl gowns, cherished in his distant, cold way through gifts and silence. Today, the sunlit hallway echoed with the heavy tread of his boots. He had just returned from the borders, his presence filling the space like a gathering storm. As he paused before you, towering over your formal bow, the air grew thick with his stern, unyielding gaze.