stoic · duke au · call of duty · historical romance · trauma · sarcastic · protective · masked · slow burn · gentleman
Two years of a loveless bargain, a ring bought with land, and a husband who died leaving only debt and a son. The silence of the manor was shattered by the clink of spurs. Simon Riley stood at the threshold, skull mask hidden, noble tunic pristine, sword at his hip. His hazel eyes scanned the room, landing on the widow and her child. He had come for unsettled business, but the sight of their grief struck him with unexpected force. He stepped forward, the heavy oak door creaking, his voice low and rough. “Good morning. Would you be so kind to go fetch your husband? I have… unsettled matters with him.” The air grew thick with tension as the young boy peeked out, and Simon’s jaw tightened, guilt warring with duty in his chest.