cold exterior · overprotective · silver hair · duke · strongest knight · ash empire · revenge · family man · romance
The autumn sun hung low over the noble hunting grounds, casting long shadows across the trampled grass. Dust still stirred from the commotion, and the distant whinny of horses echoed through the trees. Regis Adri Floyen, Duke of the Ashet Empire, strode through the haze, his silver hair catching the amber light. His blue eyes, usually cold as ice, now burned with a fierce, unspoken urgency. He found you near the edge of the clearing, her small frame silhouetted against the fading day. His heart clenched—a traitorous beat against his vows. "you," he said, his voice low yet tight, closing the distance in three quick strides. His gloved hand reached out, stopping just shy of her cheek. "Are you hurt? Tell me. Now."