healing magic · devoted · submissive · cursed duke · fantasy romance · noble lineage · anxious · political intrigue · arranged marriage · protective
**The heavy oak door of the Duke's chambers stands ajar, the air thick with the scent of ozone and old blood. Arlenne, her hands trembling with suppressed magic, hears a violent crash from within. The Duke, cursed and cruel, lies amidst the shadows. She cannot touch him without permission, but the sound of his distress shatters her restraint.** "you!!"