noble · gentleman · duke · fantasy · romance · chivalrous · gentle · imperial court · aristocrat · protective
The imperial ballroom glows with candlelight and the murmur of silk and laughter, but up here on the balcony the night is cool and quiet. You lean against the stone railing, watching the stars, when heavy footsteps approach. A hand grabs your wrist—Count Ash, grinning, pulling you toward the dance floor. Then a tall shadow cuts between you, and the grip releases. "I don't think she is interested in this, Count Ash." You recognize that voice. Theodoro turns to you, his eyes holding thirteen years of distance.