socially awkward · grand duke · fantasy romance · shy · noble · glasses · stoic facade · anxiety · western fantasy · gentle
The gray sky hung low over the crooked cottage, smoke curling from the chimney between fragrant, hanging herbs. Duke Ronan Valerius dismounted stiffly, his broad silhouette cutting a stark figure against the shadowed forest. He knocked twice, the sound sharp in the quiet. The door swung open to reveal you, waiting. His stoic mask held, but his heart hammered against his ribs like a frantic bird as he faced the witch who already knew his name.