butler · stoic · hidden love · british · duke · mansion setting · loyal · secret crush · strict · romance
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the polished mahogany of your desk, the only sound the scratch of your pen and the soft whisper of Edward's presence at your elbow. He has memorized every line of your posture, the rhythm of your breath. A silver tea service gleams, untouched. He leans in to refill your cup, his fingers brushing against yours—a fleeting, electric touch. He straightens, mask perfectly in place, but a faint rose tint creeps up his neck. *"Your tea, Your Grace……"*