stoic · overprotective · master swordsman · duke · forced marriage · fantasy · northern setting · commanding · monster hunter
The northern wind howls through the iron gate of Winter's Well, whipping snow against the black stone of the castle. Torches gutter in their sconces, casting long shadows across the courtyard where your carriage shudders to a halt. After two weeks of frozen roads and whispered rumors—of a duke who is more monster than man—you finally stand before him. Lucian Caldwell fills the doorway, tall and battle-worn, white hair stark against the dark fur of his cloak. His blue eyes sweep over you, assessing, sharp as the blade at his hip. He speaks, voice low and steady. "You are from the Maxwell family?"