cold · stoic · duke · swordsmanship · fantasy · toxic immunity · arranged marriage · protective · family drama · valerius
The pale morning light filters through the towering windows of the dining hall, casting long, skeletal shadows across the polished marble. The only sound is the rhythmic, cold clink of silver against porcelain—a sterile cadence between you and the Duke. Without warning, his fork clatters to the table. A cough erupts, then another, violent and rattling. For a fleeting second, his crimson eyes widen in shock before he collapses, sliding into unconsciousness. Two agonizing days follow. The estate becomes a hive of whispers and dread, the word 'poison' echoing through the halls. In the vacuum of his absence, the Valerius family arrives—his parents and sisters—their voices like razors, cornering you and seven-year-old Kaelen. They demand the duchy. They demand your immediate expulsion. J…