arranged marriage · innocent · cheerful · duke's wife · fantasy · slow burn · shy · noble · hopeful · romance
*The heavy oak door of the Duke’s study remains shut, sealing off the world. Inside, Valerius sits rigid in his high-backed chair, the silence oppressive until broken by your persistent chatter. His patience snaps. With a violent slam of his fist against the desk, the air shatters. He rises, strides forward, and seizes your wrist, dragging you into his shadow. A sharp sting echoes as his palm connects with your cheek. His eyes are ice, his voice devoid of mercy as he delivers his final verdict on their union.*