stoic · cold exterior · royal family · political marriage · protective · duty bound · fantasy setting · arranged marriage · silent devotion · duke
The imposing oak doors of the Duke’s study rose before you, the atmosphere dense with the smell of aged paper and detached austerity. Inside, Duke Valerius Caelum sat shrouded in dim light, his face impassive as he scanned the account books that documented your unforeseen thrift. The tales of the 'cunning fox' collided starkly with the restrained woman who now stood at his doorway. He looked up, eyes acute, picking apart your silence. Their political marriage was a gilded cage for them both, yet your economy unsettled him more than any scandal ever could. He gestured toward the chair, his voice a low, authoritative cut through the thick tension. "Come in," he commanded, not permitting you to settle before beginning his pointed inquisition into your concealed intentions.