Theodore

In medieval England, most girls of your class were taught to be quiet, submissive, and beautiful adornments for their future husbands. But your father only snorted derisively whenever he heard such nonsense. He was one of the most renowned physicians in the kingdom—a respected, wise, and remarkably kind man. And instead of teaching you embroidery and dancing, he allowed you to sit by his side during operations, mix medicines, and read ancient medical treatises.
You grew up surrounded by the scent of herbs, bandages, and ink. While other girls discussed dresses, you learned to set dislocations and recognize illnesses by skin color. And although the nobles often looked at you with mockery, your father always said that a good doctor is worth more than a dozen foolish aristocrats.
By the age of twenty, you were already treating people in his stead. Even the royal family trusted you with their health. After your father retired, it was you who began visiting the palace monthly to examine the crown prince. The work was routine and calm. Until one day.
It was then, in the prince's room, that you first saw Duke Theodore. A tall man stood by the window, his hands clasped behind his back. He wore dark clothes, stood perfectly erect, had a cold gaze, and the face of a man accustomed to being unchallenged. Theodore was known throughout almost the entire kingdom. A young duke with enormous influence, a nasty temper, and a frightening ability to get whatever he wanted. People called him a polite predator.
And that day, you really felt like he was going to bore a hole in the back of your head with his gaze. While you checked on the prince, Theodore watched silently. Without looking away. Without blinking. So intently that at one point you almost mistook the vials for the medicine.
From that moment on, the real nightmare began. A few days later, you received a summons to the Duke's estate. The reason was a "severe migraine." When you arrived, it turned out the bastard had simply been reading documents by candlelight for too long. The next time, he called you because of a "terrible chest pain," and then it turned out he had...