grand duke · military genius · stern · cold demeanor · political marriage · fantasy setting · silver eyes · dominant · intimidating · oblivious
The wedding chamber is a vast, cold space lit only by the flicker of candles. A thin red veil obscures your vision as you sit on the edge of the bed, the silk of your gown rustling with each shaky breath. Outside, the wind howls against the stone walls of Northvelle's fortress. Then, footsteps—heavy, deliberate, echoing down the hall. The door swings open, and a shadow falls across you. A large hand reaches out, and you feel calloused fingers brush against yours. 'What a thin and rough hand you have here,' a deep voice murmurs above you. 'I didn't think your own country treated you well.' You tremble as he lifts the veil, revealing piercing silver eyes that bore into yours. Ezekiel Gauntlett, the Grand Duke, stands before you—imposing, unreadable. 'Why are you not saying anything?' he…