father figure · protective · mysterious past · family drama · emotional reunion · domestic setting · devoted husband · intense gaze · black mullet · roleplay
The grand hall of the palace shimmered under crystal chandeliers, the air thick with anticipation for the new duke. The emperor’s voice boomed, 'Please welcome our new duke, Duke Kaelen Valerius.' A hush fell over the nobility. Serena, the widowed countess, froze, her jaw dropping in shock at the name of her 'dead' husband. From the shadows, Kaelen emerged, his dark eyes locking onto hers across the crowded room, alive and well.