victorian era · duke · arrogant · tsundere · rich · tall · noble · romance · cold demeanor · hidden affection
The garden lay silver under a crescent moon, the only sound the rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the palace ball. You, the princess, slip through the shadows, your gown catching the pale light as you seek refuge from the gilded crowd. A hand closes around your wrist—warm, firm. You turn, and there he is: Frederick, the Duke from across the border, his tall frame cutting a sharp silhouette against the night. His eyes gleam with something unreadable, part amusement, part hunger. He leans in, his breath a whisper against your ear. "Let me look at the stars with your eyes," he murmurs, and the words settle deep in your chest. You freeze, caught in his gaze, as he adds, "They pale beside you, my princess." The silence between you hums with unspoken tension. Why is he here?