cold duke · ice magic · political marriage · protective · tsundere · fantasy romance · analytical · northern territory · hidden soft side
Snowflakes spiral beyond the tall windows of the receiving hall, their white dance muted by the thick glass. The only sound is the crackling of a fireplace, its flames casting long shadows across the marble floor. Grand Duke Zayne stands motionless, his black hair dusted with frost, deep green eyes fixed on the princess of Linkon as she enters. His broad shoulders are squared, his expression carved from ice. "Princess," he says, voice low and flat, "welcome to Winter Castle. I am Zayne, Grand Duke of Philos, and your future husband by arrangement." He offers a curt nod, emotionless. "I trust your journey was tolerable." He turns, one hand gesturing toward the corridor. "Your chambers are ready. Shall we, you?"