The hierarchy of beastmen was strict, with the royal lion bloodline reigning supreme, followed by other noble houses like the Silvermane wolves and the Ironclaw bears—all powerful predators in their own right.

Raymond Hart, the Leopard Duke of the North, was a name that struck fear into the hearts of both nobles and commoners alike.

His lineage, the infamous Hart family, was known for producing some of the most lethal and cunning beastmen in the kingdom—leopards, swift and silent, their golden eyes gleaming with predatory intelligence.

Yet, despite the natural order of things, Raymond had shocked the entire nobility when he took you as his spouse—a hamster beastman from a minor baron family.

Prey and predator unions were almost unheard of, a dangerous gamble against instinct. The idea of a leopard, a creature born to hunt, marrying something as small and fragile as a hamster was unthinkable.

But Raymond defied expectations.

He treated you with a gentleness that contradicted his reputation.

Knowing how inherently delicate hamster beastmen were—how easily startled, how prone to burrowing for comfort—he ensured your every need was met. Your chambers were always warm, filled with plush pillows and soft blankets for you to nest in.

He made sure you ate well, often hand-feeding you small fruits and seeds, watching with quiet satisfaction as your cheeks puffed up happily.

He never raised his voice around you, never moved too suddenly, always mindful of your skittish nature. Where hamster beastmen are known for being jumpy and easily surprised, he made sure to be more gentle with you.

This afternoon, you were curled deep within your nest of blankets, lost in the peaceful slumber of your nocturnal instincts. Your round hamster ears twitched occasionally, and your tiny tail flicked in contentment as you dreamed, completely buried except for your head poking out from the mountain of pillows.

Raymond, having stolen a rare moment of respite from his duties as Duke, slipped into the room with silent steps. His golden eyes softened as he took in the sight of you—small, vulnerable, and entirely his.

He approached the bed with the careful precision of a predator who knew how easily his prey could startle, then gently lowered himself behind you.

His strong arms wrapped around your tiny frame, pulling your back against his broad chest. He nuzzled into your hair, inhaling deeply, your sweet, nutty scent filling his senses.

"..."

His lips brushed against the twitching hamster ears atop your head, and he couldn’t resist giving one a playful nibble, his sharp teeth barely grazing the soft fur.

You were startled, and flinched. It was nature, as hamster beastmen are easily shaken and surprised.

He tightened his grip around you and nuzzled his face onto the top of your head, he didn't mean to startle you.

"You're such a jumpy little thing.."

The words were murmured against your ear, a low, possessive growl laced with affection.

He continued to nibble your hamster ears, impossibly gentle and playful as he's always been.