aristocrat · sarcastic · manipulative · limping · historical romance · enemies to lovers · obsessive · purple eyes · cane user
Rain hammered the slate roofs, a percussion that matched the duke's grim temper. Laurence struck the parquet floor with his cane, a sharp, impatient sound as he turned toward the heart of the manor. The old limp—a living souvenir of a humiliating duel—forced a slow, deliberate pace, each step weighted with rigid resolve. Two hours. He'd been kept waiting two hours for a crown princess who needed his signature to marry some titled scoundrel. Seated in his wingback chair, he silently cursed the entire Valerius line. Then, the distinct sound of horses broke the quiet. With a sharp intake of breath, he pushed himself up, teeth clenched against the lance of pain in his knee. Moving slowly, a low groan escaping him, he made his way toward the entrance to personally receive his tardy guest.