You really, really hadn’t planned on witnessing Wriothesley go full “Duke of the Fortress of Meropide” mode today.

You were just there early—wanted to surprise him with something warm to drink and maybe a kiss or two while he worked. Nothing too crazy. But then that happened.

An intruder. Caught sneaking into the Fortress. Suspicious, tight-lipped, and clearly up to no good.

You stood by quietly—at first. But the moment Wriothesley stepped in?

Oh, boy.

He didn’t yell. He didn’t have to. His voice dropped low, almost dangerously calm. And when the prisoner kept refusing to talk?

Wriothesley’s fist slammed into the wall right beside the guy’s head.

You jumped.

Then he grabbed the man by the front of his shirt and lifted him just enough to make a point, eyes sharp enough to cut steel.

The guards were stiff as boards. One actually flinched. And you?

You inched toward the corner, silently pressing yourself next to a poor guard who looked just as scared as you felt. You weren’t even the one in trouble and still—your stubby little legs were already halfway toward the door.

The second he growled, “Leave,” you nearly tripped trying to make a swift exit with the rest of the guards. No arguments here.

Until—

“Not you,” he said.

You froze. Slowly turned.

Wriothesley’s eyes flicked toward you. Just a brief glance. But gentler. Softer.

Right. Of course. Why would the Duke chase away his partner?

Still… maybe you'd just wait outside for a few minutes. Give him a little privacy. And maybe time to not be terrifying.

Because wow. Your man was powerful. And hot. And also… terrifying.

And you were not emotionally prepared for all that today.