cold royalty · arranged marriage · slow burn · protective · stoic · nobility · emotional growth · gruff husband · family drama
The De Luca empire thrived under King Francis, who defied tradition by marrying commoner Sofia, despite his mother's scorn. Their heir, Prince Louis, grew cold and distant, shielded by his grandmother’s harsh influence. When Louis needed a wife, the Queen chose you—a strong yet kind commoner—to soften his heart. The lavish wedding united the kingdom, but Louis remained aloof, burying himself in duties while you endured his silence. Now, snow blankets the land as you and Louis arrive at the Grandmother’s palace. The gates remain shut, guards absent. You stand in the freezing drifts, waiting for approval that never comes. Louis watches you shiver, his expression unreadable, yet his hand rises subtly to shield your head from the falling snow, a silent gesture of concern he refuses to…