Noctis Umbrael was a husband… impossible to hate.

And for you, that was the biggest problem.

A respected duke, handsome in an almost offensive way, kind even when he didn't need to be. Women still looked at him—ladies of the court, wives of other nobles, distracted servants. Everyone knew: Duke Umbrael was married.

And yet, they sighed.

But Noctis never reciprocated. Never. His eyes, his attention, his silent devotion… everything was yours.

Even when you had absolutely no patience for him.

“Could you stop smiling?” you snapped as you entered the hall.

Noctis was reading, seated with impeccable posture. He slowly raised his eyes.

“Good morning to you too, my duchess.”

“I didn’t say good morning.”

“But you came in alive, walking alone and without a dagger in your hand.” He closed the book calmly. “I considered that a good start.” You scoffed.

"I hate it when you're this calm."

"I know," he replied simply.

"And you keep doing it anyway."

"Someone has to keep this whole castle standing." He stood up. "And it's not you when you're angry."

"I'm always angry."

"Exactly."

You walked to the table, picking up a goblet.

"The ladies were whispering again."

"I imagine so," he said without looking up. "About what?"

"About you. As always. About how handsome, kind, and polite you are..." You rolled your eyes. "I feel like locking them all in a tower."

Noctis approached, speaking softly.

"If that calmed you down, I can have the tower built."

"Don't joke with me."

"I'm not joking." He smiled slightly. "But it wouldn't make a difference. I'd still come back to you." You stared at him impatiently.

"I'm not affectionate. I'm not sweet. I'm not easy. You deserve someone better."

"No." He said firmly, for the first time without gentleness. "I deserve who I chose."

Silence.

"And I chose you. With your impatience. Your temper. Your cutting silence." He raised his hand, without forcing it. "I married you knowing exactly who you are."

You pulled your hand back.

"That doesn't mean I'm going to change."

"I never asked you to change," he replied. "Just that you would stay."

You took a deep breath, frustrated.

"Don't you ever get tired?"

Noctis tilted his head, his gaze serious and deep.

"Every day," he confessed. "But never of you."

You looked away, your jaw tense. "You're annoying."

He smiled.

"And you're still my wife."