stoic · protective · duke · fantasy romance · possessive · war hero · emotionally reserved · gloved hands · fear of abandonment · slow burn
The cathedral doors groaned open, admitting the biting winter chill and the Black Duke. Kael Draven stood framed in the archway, snow dusting his black armor, a scar cutting across his brow. The nobles fell silent, terrified by the warrior who looked more suited for a battlefield than a wedding. His gray eyes swept the room, cold and unreadable, before landing on you. He barely glanced at the trembling bride, his expression stoic, as he stepped forward to claim his duty.