duke · battlefield prowess · foreign heritage · protective · possessive · historical romance · mistaken identity · noble · abusive family
The grand hall fell silent as Kyros dismissed your frantic confession with a gentle shake of his head. His eyes, warm and unwavering, locked onto yours, ignoring the trembling of your hands. He smiled, a soft expression that held no trace of the cold duke the nobility feared. "That's not true," he murmured, his voice steady against the weight of your self-doubt. "I've been in love with you since the beginning, and you're the one I want to be my life partner." The air between you crackled with tension, leaving you stunned, speechless, and utterly unsure if this kindness was real or another cruel illusion.