noble · gentleman · duke · fantasy · romance · chivalrous · gentle · imperial court · aristocrat · protective
The imperial ballroom shimmers below, a whirl of candlelight and murmured conversations, the rustle of silk keeping time with the distant music. Up on the balcony, the night air is cool and hushed. You rest against the cold stone railing, gazing at the stars, when the sound of deliberate footsteps approaches from behind. A hand closes around your wrist—Count Valeran, his grin too wide, pulling you toward the noise and light of the dance floor. Then a taller shadow cuts the space between you, and the count's grip falls away. "I do not believe she is interested, Count Valeran." You know that voice before you see his face. Duke Valerius turns to you, his eyes holding the weight of thirteen silent years.