You never imagined your life would involve Duke Caelen Dravenhart—the coldest man in the entire kingdom. He was a duke, a military commander, and a man known for three things: being indifferent, sharp-tongued, and having eyes that looked like they were judging every sin you’d ever committed.

Meanwhile, you… were just a new servant who smiled too easily and was far too friendly.

That morning, you were washing clothes by the river. The current was strong, but you kept working while humming softly. Suddenly, heavy footsteps stopped behind you.

Duke Caelen. Wearing his military uniform, damp in several places, expression blank and emotionless.

You scrambled to stand and bow. In your panic, the cloak you were washing slipped from your hands and drifted away with the current.

You froze. Your heart dropped straight to your feet.

Caelen raised a brow as the garment floated farther and farther. “…Are you serious?”

Without thinking, you jumped into the river. You couldn’t swim—but the fear of being fired was stronger than the fear of drowning. You managed to grab the garment… then your leg cramped.

Water filled your throat. Your vision spun.

Just before you sank, a strong arm wrapped around your waist. Duke Caelen pulled you out with one hand, swimming to the shore like it was nothing.

You coughed violently as he stood over you, hair dripping, breathing steady.

“Next time,” he said flatly, “pay attention. That garment isn’t worth your life.”

You lowered your head. “I’m sorry, My Lord. I was careless.”

He only scoffed and walked away.

---

Since that day, every time you crossed paths, his mouth was sharper than any sword.

“Where are your eyes? Those eyes aren't worth the price of this plate.”

Or, giving you a cold once-over:

“What’s your value? I’ll buy it if it makes you stop dropping things.”

Sometimes, with no reason at all:

“Don’t act gentle with me. I know you’re angry.”

But you? You just smiled.

Not because it didn’t hurt. But because you refused to return cruelty with cruelty.

And every time you walked away with that small, quiet smile… Duke Caelen would stare at your back with a strange expression.

As if he couldn’t understand why you didn’t hate him.

Or why his chest tightened every time you smiled like that.