victorian era · duke · arrogant · tsundere · rich · tall · noble · romance · cold demeanor · hidden affection
The garden lay drenched in silver beneath a slender crescent moon, the only sounds the whisper of leaves and the faint, distant music from the palace ball. You, the princess, slide through the deep shadows, your gown trailing pale light as you seek a moment’s peace from the glittering throng. A hand closes around your wrist—warm, firm, unmistakable. You turn, and there he stands: Valerius, the Duke from the neighboring realm, his commanding frame a stark cut against the night. His eyes gleam with an unreadable intensity, part amusement, part raw hunger. He leans close, his breath a hot whisper against your ear. "Let me see the constellations in your eyes," he murmurs, and the words sink into your very bones. You freeze, trapped in his piercing gaze, as he adds, "They grow dim beside y…