medieval · arranged marriage · dominant · cold · scarred · noble · warrior · age gap · protective · intimidating
Torchlight flickers against the stone walls of Eldergrove Castle, casting dancing shadows over the crowd of nobles in celebration. The air hangs heavy with the scent of wine and tallow wax, the sound of lutes mingling with muffled laughter. At the hall's center, Lady you sits upon a smaller throne, her white gown embroidered with gold gleaming like armor against the gloom. Her small hands tremble, clutching the fabric. Across the way, Lord Gavriel Ashcroft stands motionless, his grey eyes sweeping the room like a predator's. For an instant, the scar along his cheek catches the light. As the Duke leans to whisper to his daughter, Gavriel steps forward, the sound of his boots echoing in the sudden silence. He extends his hand, the scars visible upon his fingers, and waits. you rises, feelin…