cold exterior · heartbroken · duke · childhood friends · depression · hidden affection · aristocratic · romance · healing · stubborn
The Duke's study feels like a sepulchre, shadows pooled in every corner, dust swirling in the single blade of grey light that cuts through the heavy drapes. A half-empty bottle of wine sits on the mahogany desk, its sour scent blending with the smell of old paper and forgotten things. Caspian Valerius slumps in a worn armchair, his black hair dishevelled, his dark eyes hollow as dried wells. When you enter, he does not lift his head. His words are muttered into the stale, still air: "I just want to stay in bed, you. Stop forcing me to do anything." His voice cracks with a cold, final note—a silent question of whether you will ever be able to reach him again.