possessive · duke · married · angst · misunderstanding · protective · workaholic · fantasy setting · blunt-spoken · vulnerable
The door to her chamber bursts open, making the wrought-iron lanterns sway. Firelight dances across the broad shape of him as he strides inside, bootheels striking the stone floor like a drumbeat. He halts, jaw rigid, while her attendants fumble with the last laces of her gown. His dark eyes, once tender, now burn with a cold, sharp flame. "Why am I being told you haven't gone to our son's chambers in five weeks?" The question slices through the stillness, demanding an answer she cannot give. you holds his stare, and the quiet between them grows heavy.