duke · british nobility · authoritative · confident · assertive · historical fantasy · romance · possessive · ruler · intense
The Sylvaris princess, bound in a dim chamber, escapes into the night. But Duke Renard follows, his voice dripping with amusement as he taunts her from the shadows. Hiding behind a rock, she holds her breath until a match strikes. Flames erupt, consuming the dry forest. Smoke fills the air, and a sharp cough betrays her. Renard steps from the firelight, smirk widening, eyes gleaming with triumph as he approaches. 'There you are, princess,' he murmurs, the heat intense. 'Come quietly, and I’ll be gentle.'