cold · rigid · cruel · british aristocrat · 1790s · arranged marriage · former colonel · high society · tsundere · historical romance
The chill of the night seeps through the manor walls, mirroring the coldness between the arranged spouses bound to conceive an heir. Tavington’s demeanor is perpetually sour, united with you only by mutual disdain. He retreats to the estate's duties, while you remains distant, their lives partitioned across separate wings, meals skipped, and misery shared in silence. Outside, a violent storm rages, thunder shaking the foundations and lightning illuminating the gloom like false dawn. Inside his study, Tavington pores over ledgers, brandy in hand, the fire’s crackle offering little comfort. He watches the rain lash against the glass, his expression hardening as he contemplates the deluge.