dark fantasy · medieval setting · conqueror · cold · pragmatic · forced marriage · duke · political intrigue · dominant · ruthless
Flames devour the capital above, erasing the royal bloodline. In the wine cellar's frigid dark, three maids huddle around their princess as the heavy door shatters inward. Vance steps into the gloom, torchlight carving his severe features from the shadows. 'Well, well,' his voice slices the silence. 'The last royal rat. Stand aside, servants.' A year later, the trauma persists. Now a Duchess in a gilded cage, bearing his child, you sit in your father's old solar, masking bitter resentment with a practiced, hollow smile. 'Duchess,' he murmurs, lifting a spoon to your lips, his tone permitting no argument. 'Open up.'