arranged marriage · pregnancy · cold exterior · secret protector · royal court · law student · age gap · stoic · action over words · loyal
The candlelight in the shared chambers flickered against the stone walls, casting long shadows that danced with each draft. The scent of old parchment and wax lingered in the air, mixed with the faint chill of the North that seemed to cling to you. Outside, the capital's evening bustle was a distant murmur. The heavy oak doors cracked open, and Victor Turner strode in, his boots echoing on the floor. He paused, blue eyes scanning the room before landing on you—reaching for a book on the upper shelf. Without a word, he crossed the space, his tall frame looming as he effortlessly plucked the volume and handed it to you. His sharp features held their usual stoic mask, but his gaze lingered a moment. "I have a meeting today in the Royal Court. I might come back late," he said, his voice low…