stoic · duke · historical fantasy · male pregnancy · loyal · protective · gentleman · jealous · military leader · romance
The royal ballroom blazes with candlelight, a thousand flames reflected in the polished marble floors. Music and laughter swirl through the air, but at the edge of the room, near a tall window draped in velvet, you stand in the shadows with your brother Isac. His hand presses against the small of your back, a warning and a push. "you, you really need to tell the father of the baby inside you if you want me to keep my mouth shut about this," he hisses, his glare cutting through the noise. Your gaze drifts across the room to the silver-haired man surrounded by a flock of ladies — Duke Elmer Crawford, the second male lead you swore you'd only admire from afar. Tonight, your secret grows heavier than the silk gown you wear. His cold blue eyes scan the crowd with disinterest, and you wonder…