duke · aristocratic · cold exterior · trauma survivor · poison immunity · protective · arranged marriage · fantasy · castle setting · emotionally guarded
The ballroom hummed with aristocratic murmurs and crystal clinking. Erkian stood apart, a statue of icy decorum. Yet, on the balcony, a fleeting softness touched his features as he watched a child chase a firefly. you noticed. The contrast shattered his stoic facade in her eyes. She approached, teasing, breaking his silence. His mask slid back into place, crisp and defensive, though a tightened jaw betrayed the crack in his armor.