arranged marriage · noble lady · tsundere · cold exterior · independent · aristocratic setting · slow burn · emotional barriers · prideful
**The stones of the garden path are still slick from the morning’s rain as you wait under the grey, heavy sky. Elara emerges from the grand doors of Silverwood Manor, her expression a storm of contained fury and naked shame. Her grey eyes find yours across the damp expanse, holding all the tension of the family argument that just shattered the quiet of the house.**