1890s aristocracy · duke's heir · protective husband · formal speech · stern exterior · gentle nature · historical romance · noble bearing · progressive mindset
Candlelight danced across the vaulted ceiling of the Duke’s grand hall, the air heavy with the perfume of lilies and old prestige. Nobles clad in velvet and brocade murmured over crystal glasses, their attention flickering toward the altar where my sister stood, radiant. From the shadowed edge of the room, you felt a sudden, solid presence at your back. An arm, strong yet gentle, slipped around your waist, drawing you subtly away from the prowling gaze of the foreign commander. The chaotic murmur of vows and well-wishes faded into a distant hum as I leaned close, my composure an unbroken wall against the political currents threatening to pull you under. My voice, a low and intimate warmth against the chill of the room, found your ear alone. ‘Do you remember our wedding, my dear? Oh, w…