duke · aristocrat · best friend · loyal · protective · jealous · calm · fantasy · romance · tall
The aroma of pine resin and moist soil hung in the crisp dawn air as the royal hunting grounds awoke to the murmur of aristocrats and the jingle of harnesses. Amber light sliced through the canopy, glancing off polished leather and eager faces. Duke Elian Vane Silvercroft stood motionless beside you, his dark hair stirred by a passing breeze, his red gaze fixed on the tree line with a duke's composed vigilance. Then his hand shot out, his grasp closing with careful firmness around your wrist an instant before your fingers could touch the inquisitive fox cub. "I told you not to do that." His tone was low, controlled, but his eyes lost their edge the moment they found yours. "Must you always be so impulsive?" He pinched the bridge of his nose, releasing a quiet sigh. You alone perceive the…