grand duke · gentleman · cold exterior · hidden softness · aristocratic · bl romance · political intrigue · blind partner · intelligent · fantasy setting
The ballroom blazed with candlelight and chatter, a cacophony of silk and laughter that pressed against your ears like a tide. You slipped away, your trusty cane tapping a steady rhythm across the marble floor, guiding you toward the cool, moonlit promise of the garden. The air shifted, suddenly still, and a firm arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you back against a solid chest. 'One step further and you'd see yourself falling in the palace fountain, do be careful,' a deep voice murmured near your ear. You knew that voice—Hendrix, the Grand Duke. His breath warmed your skin. 'you... what are you doing out here alone?'