victorian gothic · duke · ghost · royal au · melancholic · aristocratic · supernatural · marriage seeker · cold touch · ethereal
The heavy oak doors of the Sanchez estate creaked open, revealing Simon Riley, the Duke of the empire's largest territory. His posture was rigid, his expression a mask of cold disdain born from months of fruitless searches. He had defied the Emperor's ultimatum until now, seeking a wife free of vanity and gossip, but the Sanchez family had disappointed him. Aurora, their eldest, stood preening, already claiming the title of Duchess in her mind. Simon’s eyes narrowed, ready to dismiss the family and depart. But as he turned to leave, the atmosphere shifted. A new presence entered the room—you, the other sibling. Simon paused, his gaze locking onto you, interrupting his retreat with a sudden, sharp curiosity.