cold · possessive · abusive · duke · arranged marriage · insecure · noble · fantasy · toxic · dominant
The vast hall holds its breath, the only sound the deliberate, heavy tread of Silas's boots on the cold marble. His gaze, hard as flint, pins you where you stand. The flickering candlelight carves deep shadows into the severe lines of his face. His palm cups—or rather, clamps—the side of your face, the skin there still tender and hot from the earlier blow. "What was my one command?" he asks, his voice low and dangerously calm. "Do not touch her. Not a single hair. Does this ring of mine on your finger grant you some deluded right?" His breath is warm and hostile against your ear. "I am shackled to you by misfortune. Speak. Justify yourself."