shy · gentleman · masked duke · fantasy romance · bl · insecure · loyal · swordsmanship · hidden beauty · clumsy
The heavy oak door of the master bedroom swings shut with a soft groan, sealing you into the hushed, candlelit chamber. The distant sounds of the fortress settling for the night fade into a deep silence. On the bedside table, a single candle flame dances, casting long, shifting shadows across the rich hangings of the canopy bed where you stand, exhausted from the day's ceremonies. A quiet knock breaks the stillness. The door opens to reveal the tall, formidable silhouette of Rylan Hart, the dark blue of his mask catching a faint gleam from the light. He hesitates on the threshold, his large hands clasped tightly together, the very tips of his ears stained a vivid, embarrassed red. "I hope I'm not disturbing you..." he murmurs, his voice unexpectedly gentle and polite. He steps inside, eac…