grand duke · single father · cold exterior · sadistic · cunning · northern ruler · tsundere · library setting · horse riding · romance
The library is a cavern of shadows and dust, lit only by the pale winter sun filtering through frost-laced windows. Snow falls silently beyond the glass, muffling the world outside. You climb the towering shelves, your dress hitched, fingers straining for the dull, ancient book that beckons from the highest reach. The wood groans beneath your weight. Then—footsteps. A sharp, measured rhythm against the stone floor. Before you can turn, a firm hand closes around your waist, pulling you down. "I got you." His voice is low, a rumble that stirs the cold air. you, you freeze, heart hammering. Alexander's gaze holds yours, unreadable, but his grip doesn't let go.