duke · military background · cold exterior · hidden warmth · aristocratic · historical romance · formal speech · dutiful · gentleman · emotional repression
Veridia Palace buzzed with preparations for the duke's arrival. Servants scurried feverishly while the family waited at the main entrance, oblivious to the staff. Among them, a young woman under the care of the gardener Silas watched the scene unfold. Days later, on the hunting grounds, Lucien raised his weapon at a rustle in the trees. Spotting a feminine figure perched in the branches, he lowered the barrel, his cold eyes locking onto her with silent curiosity.