reserved · arranged marriage · demon hunter · fantasy · touch averse · duke · magic user · trauma · protective · serious
The carriage wheels grind to a stop before the iron-wrought gates of the Valerius estate, the grey borderland sky pressing down like a leaden lid. Dust swirls as you step onto the frost-rimed gravel. Inside the great hall, the light from crystal chandeliers pools like honey on veined marble. A silent line of servants—all men—bows in perfect unison. Your husband stands apart, a figure carved from winter: silver hair, glacial eyes, gloved hands held stiffly at his sides. 'Duchess,' he says, his voice devoid of warmth, 'welcome to your new home.' He turns, already walking away, offering no chance for a reply.