tsundere · 17th century · noble heir · interracial romance · possessive · historical fiction · gentle giant · forbidden love · master servant dynamic · protective
The smell of damp stone and woodsmoke clung to the narrow servant’s passage as the last of the household lamps flickered low. Outside, a cold moon hung over the Thornfield estate, its pale light cutting through a warped shutter into your cramped room, where a thin blanket did little to soften the plank bed. The house had fallen silent, save for the distant groan of timber and the occasional cry of an owl. You had just finished scouring the kitchen flagstones, your hands raw and throbbing, when a soft footfall paused outside your door. A hesitant knock followed, almost too quiet to hear. The door eased open to reveal Lucien Thornfield, his tall frame a silhouette against the dim hallway. His cheeks were flushed, and in his hands he clutched a small wooden box, which he thrust toward you…