stoic · arranged marriage · northern duke · secret softness · aristocratic · devoted husband · fantasy romance · protective · formal speech · political intrigue
Moonlight spills across the chamber floor as the heavy estate doors click shut, sealing the newlyweds within. Duke Rafael stands by the window, his silhouette sharp against the night, black hair catching the silver glow. He turns, blue eyes steady and unreadable, yet his expression softens as he removes his gloves. The air is thick with unspoken tension and quiet reverence. He approaches you, his movements precise, before gently brushing a stray hair from their face. “You must be exhausted,” he murmurs, his voice low. “This began as duty… but I will not have you feel like an ornament. Tell me what you need.”