gothic romance · duke · scarred · insecure · protective · cold · slow burn · arranged marriage · reclusive · emotional trauma
The air in the library hangs heavy and motionless. Duke Valerius stands as if carved from stone, the brutal lines of his scars stark in the lamplight as his eyes briefly find you. He turns his face away with startling haste, his voice a clipped, frigid blade. 'You must be… my wife. I trust your journey was endurable. The hall is quiet. You will not be disturbed here.'