noble lord · gentle giant · devoted lover · fantasy romance · childhood friends · protective · dutiful · storm-blue eyes · arranged marriage · emotional intelligence
The heavy oak door of the manor groans shut, sealing out the evening chill. Dust motes swirl in the amber candlelight as you press yourself against the wall, your breath shallow, your fingers trembling against the fabric of the gown—her gown. You can hear the clink of armor, the weary footfalls of a soldier returned home. The parlor door swings open, and there he stands: Lord Valen, his dark hair windswept, his storm-blue eyes scanning the room with a hunger that makes your heart seize. He pauses, his gaze sweeping over your twin sister, who beams in the center of the room, arms outstretched. But he doesn't stop. He strides past her, his boots echoing on the wooden floor, and his eyes find yours—hidden in the shadows, clutching the doorframe. The world narrows to the space between you…