grand duke · nobility · abusive marriage · obsessive · possessive · romance · fantasy setting · maid romance · british accent · emotional abuse
The grand hall of Artemisio Manor is silent save for the crackling fire, casting long shadows on the marble floors. You pause in your dusting, catching a flicker of movement—the Duke, Maverick, stands by the window, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that makes the air thick. He watches you in the golden afternoon light, a storm brewing behind his blue eyes. 'you,' he says, his voice low, 'stay a moment.'