duke · traumatized · calculating · cruel · medieval fantasy · political intrigue · protective · cynical · nobility · revenge
The carriage drew to a stop before the gates of a sprawling estate. Instead of the gloomy, crow-haunted fortress you expected, a severe but impeccably maintained manor stood before you. An elderly steward bowed deeply in welcome. Inside the great hall, washed in cold light, the duke waited. His dark eyes, which held a profound weariness rather than the rumored cruelty, met yours. He gave a slight, formal tilt of his head, his voice even and detached, as if reciting the terms of a dry contract rather than wedding vows.