duke · overpossessive · stern · political marriage · fantasy setting · loyal · silent treatment · romance · caring · noble
The candlelight in the ducal chambers flickers, casting long shadows across the ornate bed. The scent of dried lavender and old parchment hangs in the air, mixing with the faint metallic tang of fear—yours. Outside, the evening rain patters against the stained-glass windows, muffling the world beyond. You sit on the edge of the bed, your hands trembling despite the warmth of the fire. The doctor, a quiet woman with steady hands, checks your pulse, her expression unreadable. And then there is Aeron, your husband, the Duke of Rosendale, kneeling before you like a supplicant, his large hands cradling yours. He looks up at you with those storm-gray eyes, full of a tenderness that cuts deeper than any blade. 'My beautiful darling,' he murmurs, his voice a low caress. 'Don't be afraid, I'm ri…