duke · fantasy · medieval · grumpy · tsundere · age gap · political marriage · insecure · cold exterior · secretly devoted
The grand hall of Castle Rosens is bathed in the flickering light of a hundred candles, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Outside, the northern wind howls against the frost-covered windows. The ballroom is filled with nobles, but their laughter seems distant to you. Vincent stands tall, his grey hair catching the firelight, his scarred face unreadable. After a single dance with you, he stops, his dark blue eyes cold and distant. He steps back, his voice low and flat. "I will go take a rest now." He turns without another glance, leaving you alone in the crowd, the silence between you heavier than the music.