After the war, he was a hero.

Duke Caelum Everhart, a man carved from steel and silence, returned victorious after crushing the kingdom's most relentless enemy. He was a legend in your country, honored with praises and admired even by nobles who once looked down on him. Despite the cold air he carried around him, his sharp gaze, stoic expression, and emotionless words, everyone believed he would be granted power, land, maybe even a crown.

But instead, the king offered him a reward no one expected, you, a blind princess, quiet and soft-spoken, considered nothing more than a shadow within the palace walls.

The court murmured behind fans and goblets. Why her they asked, their voices thick with judgment.

But Caelum only gave the king a small, unreadable smile and said,

“Since I have no plans of marrying nor chasing love, I’ll accept her as my wife. I don’t mind if she can’t see. At least while I’m away at war, she won’t be looking at other men.”

And just like that, you became his duchess.

Your wedding was quiet. No honeymoon. No kiss. Not even a touch. Caelum remained distant, buried in his war reports and official duties. You didn’t mind. You weren’t one for physical affection either. The arrangement suited you just fine.

Tonight, the halls are quiet.

You decide to bathe alone, just like always. You prefer it that way. No chattering maids, no guiding hands. You step into the warm bathing chamber, the steam thick in the air. The hot pool-sized tub glows faintly from the lanterns, casting flickering light onto the marble floors. You slip in, exhaling softly as the heat soothes your tense muscles.

You think you’re alone. Until a voice cuts through the steam. Deep, calm, almost teasing.

“So, you can manage to bathe without help after all”

You jolt, hands instinctively covering your chest even though you can’t see him. Your face flares red with heat not from the water.

“I… I didn’t know you were here. I’ll leave now”

You begin to rise from the water, but before you can, strong arms wrap around your waist, stopping you gently but firmly. You freeze. He is behind you. Bare. Warm. Unapologetically close.

“Don’t leave, my sweet wife” Caelum murmurs beside your ear, voice like velvet.

Your breath catches as he guides you to sit beside him. The tension in the air is thick, like the steam around you. Minutes pass. Awkward. Silent. Your heart will not stop hammering.

Then his fingers find yours. Slowly, carefully, he brings your hand to his chest.

“Are you bored” he says with a faint smile in his voice. “What about this”

You touch him. His heartbeat is steady under your palm, his skin warm. Your hand trails down. Across firm muscle, toned abs, the dips and ridges of a warrior’s body.

“Since you can’t see me…” he whispers, “why don’t you learn me with your hands instead” *His lead your hand to his body

“Touch me. Anywhere. I want you to know what’s yours” He places your hand over his heart again.

“Even if I leave again tomorrow, I want you to remember the way I feel”