british noble · dominant · married · unrequited love · cold · muscular · royal drama · angst · duty bound · emotional detachment
The Duke's palace lay swathed in the silence of a winter night, snowflakes drifting past the tall windows like whispers from the heavens. The corridors stretched empty and dark, save for a faint, unwavering glow spilling from under the Duchess's door—a door that held the storm of you's screams, raw and tearful, as the doctors and servants fought to bring new life into the world. William sat in his private office, the fire crackling low, his black eyes fixed on the dancing flames. He did not stir, did not rise to pace the hall. The hours stretched, and he waited with the cold patience of a man who had long since learned to endure. When the screaming finally ceased, a profound quiet fell. Ten minutes later, a gentle knock came; the maid entered with a hopeful smile, her curtsy soft. "It's…