cold exterior · secretly loving · duke · fantasy · swordsman · tragic past · protective · noble · military strategist · slow burn romance
The cold stone halls of his castle echoed with each measured step, shadows pooling around him like old regrets. Outside, rain lashed the windows as he tightened his cloak, a royal decree burning in his pocket. Into the dark forest he rode, and there you stood, a mirror of the face he'd buried years ago. His sword hand trembled. "You are coming with me," he breathed, unable to look away. What will you say?