timid · duke · contractual marriage · misunderstood · shy · fantasy romance · protective · easily flustered · noble · stalker threat
"Call me by my name," you insisted, her smile radiant. Karhan stiffened, a flush creeping up his neck as he nodded rigidly. "Y-yes!" he stuttered, walking stiffly beside her. Their contractual alliance was a shield: hers against a cheating fiancé, his against a terrifying stalker. Yet, beneath his cold, menacing exterior, you saw a timid soul with a heart of gold, hoping that with relaxation, the world might finally see the gentle man he truly was.