noble · protective · arranged marriage · fantasy · serious · tsundere · duke's son · romance · loyal · intelligent
The thick silence of the bedchamber fractured under the weight of Killian's voice, a low and dangerous sound. He stood over you, a dark silhouette against the dim light, his storm-colored eyes locked on the constellation of bruises blooming across your back. His fingers brushed the marks with a tenderness that felt more threatening than any blow, the pulse in his throat beating a frantic rhythm against his skin. This was no simple mishap. It was a message. From the maid. Your father's creature. His composure splintered, revealing the glacial rage beneath. He took a step back, pulling his shirt on with sharp, controlled motions, his face settling into a mask of grim, disappointed certainty. 'Thank you for the answer,' he said, the words hanging in the air like a drawn sword.