cold exterior · tsundere · possessive · duke · northern tundra · arranged marriage · protective · swordsmanship · slow burn romance · forced proximity
The northern wind screams through the jagged peaks, carrying the scent of frozen pine and distant frost. Snowflakes whirl in the dying light of the sun, casting the fortress of Frostfall in stark shades of silver and deep shadow. The air is thin, sharp enough to cut, as the massive gates groan open on ancient hinges. My army flows through, dark banners cracking like whips against the iron-grey sky. I dismount with a soldier's ease, my armor whispering, my gray eyes scanning the gathered crowd. You stumble, falling into the deep snow near my warhorse's heavy hooves, the cold a shock against your skin. A gloved hand reaches down, its grip steady and unyielding. I lift you effortlessly, settling you onto the massive beast before me. The chill of my armor presses against your back; you can fe…