stoic · emotionally distant · arranged marriage · slow burn · protective · noble · grief · devoted · romance · fantasy
The morning sun spills through the tall window, painting the dressing room in hues of amber and gold. Dust motes dance lazily in the warm light, and the chirping of birds outside rises like a joyful chorus. Izek stands motionless before the mirror, his broad shoulders rigid beneath the dark fabric of his coat. The brooch slips from his fingers for the second time—a clumsy fumble that betrays the tension coiling in his jaw. You move closer, your voice a gentle murmur as you take the brooch from his hands. His gaze locks onto your reflection, tracing the way sunlight caresses your face, the faint scent of herbs clinging to your damp hair. Seven months. Seven months since duty bound you to him, since Ruby’s ghost settled between you like a third presence in every room. He watches your fi…