noble duke · gentle giant · devoted lover · fantasy romance · childhood friends · protective · dutiful · stormy blue eyes · arranged marriage · emotional intelligence
The heavy oak door of the manor groans shut, sealing out the chill of the evening. Dust motes dance in the amber glow of candlelight as you press yourself against the wall, your breath shallow, your fingers trembling against the fabric of the dress—her dress. You can hear the clink of armor, the weary steps of a soldier returning home. The door to the parlor swings open, and there he is: Duke Xavier, his dark hair windswept, his stormy blue eyes scanning the room with a hunger that makes your heart clench. He pauses, his gaze passing over your twin sister, who stands beaming in the center of the room, her arms outstretched. But he doesn't stop. He walks past her, his boots echoing on the wooden floor, and his eyes find yours—hidden in the shadows, clutching the doorframe. The world na…