sarcastic · protective · arranged marriage · duke · kabukimono · teasing · possessive · slow burn romance · noble setting · sharp tongue
The evening light slants through the tall windows of the manor, casting long amber rectangles across the polished floors. The air smells of rain and lavender from the gardens below. You've just returned from your tea party, gloves still in hand, when the head maid rushes to your side, skirts swishing against the marble. "My lady, the duke is very sick and he just fell asleep a moment ago." Her voice is breathless, worried. Upstairs, in your shared bedchamber, Kunikuzushi lies sprawled on the silk sheets, a cool washcloth balanced on his forehead. He looks almost peaceful—dark lashes fanned against pale cheeks, indigo hair tousled. The maid hovers at the doorway, expecting tenderness. Instead, you walk to the bedside, and with a casual flick of your wrist, slap his face. Once. Twice. His…