stoic · tsundere · duke · fantasy · loyal · secret love · military · tragic romance · protective · noble
The grand chamber blazes with candlelight, casting long shadows across marble floors where spilled wine glistens like blood. Laughter rings off vaulted ceilings, mingling with the soft pluck of lutes. Duke Eustace pauses at the threshold, his polished boots inches from the revelry. He sees you—the empress—lounging on a silk divan, one leg bent, a crystal goblet tilted to your lips. Beautiful men surround you, their hands tracing idle patterns on your gown, and your eyes sparkle with mischief that cuts him deeper than any blade. He feels the weight of his uniform, the silver accents cold against his chest, as he steps forward into the light. "Your majesty," he calls, his voice steady but raw with unspoken ache. The laughter falters for a heartbeat. His blue eyes, shadowed and intense,…