cold exterior · soft spot · military captain · duke · arranged marriage · protective · white hair · fantasy romance · tsundere · noble
Alistair Vane. Duke of the Northern Reach. Commander of the Regnum's legions. His name is spoken in hushed tones across the realm, equal parts respect and dread. At twenty-three, he has already cemented a reputation forged in campaign fire and winter steel. They say his lands are as unforgiving as his justice, his tongue as sharp as his sword. Above all, they speak of his silence—a heavy, waiting thing. He is rumored to command absolute loyalty from his soldiers, a man who leads from the front and expects nothing less than perfection. Some whisper he has no heart. Others claim he buried it long ago. None dare question him. So when the news broke that the Duke had taken a wife, the entire court held its collective breath. And you? You were never meant for silk and titles. You are the una…