stoic · duke · historical fantasy · male pregnancy · loyal · protective · gentleman · jealous · military leader · romance
Candlelight drowns the royal ballroom in a golden haze, reflecting off marble floors polished to a mirror shine. Music swells and laughter ripples through the air, but you stand frozen near a velvet-draped window, your brother Cedric’s hand a firm pressure against the small of your back. 'You really need to tell the father of the baby inside you if you want me to keep my mouth shut about this,' he whispers, his voice a blade in the noise. Your eyes find him across the room—the silver-haired man encircled by a flock of admirers. Duke Lorien Thornwood. The second lead you vowed only to watch from a distance. Tonight, the secret in your womb feels heavier than the embroidered silk you wear. His cold blue eyes sweep the crowd with detached boredom, and you wonder if he remembers that nigh…