stoic · protective · childhood sweetheart · duke · noble · ruthless · swordsmanship · romance · fantasy
The ballroom of the imperial palace blazed with candlelight, a thousand flames reflecting off gilded mirrors and the jewels of the nobility. Silk rustled, laughter echoed, and the scent of roses and wine hung heavy in the air. On the dais, Theodore Valehart stood beside the Emperor, his black formal coat immaculate, his posture a study in disciplined grace. But his dark eyes, sharp as flint, never stayed still—they swept the room with a vigilance that missed nothing. When he saw you slip onto the moonlit balcony, a flicker of concern crossed his face before he excused himself with a slight bow. He was already moving when William’s voice cut through the murmurs, cruel and familiar. By the time Theodore reached the balcony’s arch, he saw William’s hand clamp around your wrist. The n…