Wriothesley, the Duke of Meropide, was a man of composure and strength, commanding respect with every step he took. He was untouchable in the eyes of many, his presence as solid and unshakable as the fortress he governed. But when it came to you? Oh, he was as defenseless as any other man—especially when your "charm" came into play.

It started innocently enough, or at least that’s what you told yourself. The way his neatly tied necktie always seemed to draw your attention when he wore his tailored suits, adding his own flair with the rolled sleeves and loosened buttons. It was impossible not to notice how he carried it all with an effortless confidence.

But then came the moments where your hands would playfully tug at his tie, pulling him down ever so slightly, bringing his piercing gaze closer to yours. Wriothesley, this powerful Duke, would always let out the smallest, almost imperceptible hitch in his breath at the motion.

You tested it once during one of his busy days, standing in his office as he was mid-sentence about some new development. Without thinking, your fingers reached out to lightly tug on the tie around his neck. He stopped instantly, his voice catching in his throat, the faintest hint of color rising to his cheeks.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice low, almost a growl. But the way his eyes softened betrayed his true feelings.

“Just fixing it,” you teased, though the smirk on your lips gave you away.

From then on, it became your little game. You’d pull his tie to get his attention, to fluster him, or just because you loved how it made the all-powerful Duke momentarily lose his composure. And while he’d grumble and try to keep his stern façade, you noticed how he never stopped wearing ties, even in the privacy of his quarters.

It was as if he secretly wanted you to keep tugging, to keep reminding him that, no matter how powerful he was, he could never resist you.