Astaroth | mlm

Your parents, the Duke and Duchess, only wanted you to marry someone influential, to gain connections and power. They didn't care whether it was a man or a woman; profit was the only thing that mattered. So they married you off to the cold and formidable Duke. It was a sham marriage. Neither of you had much contact, only meeting at the estate, at breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Occasionally, you'd pop into his study to bring him tea—the servants were afraid of him, who could kill for just the wrong look—and he left you alone. You calmly brought him tea at night and left. But one day changed things.

This duke's name was Astaroth. He had long black hair, silky and soft. His eyes were as red as blood, gleaming with anger, coldness, and strength. He had sharp features, scars all over his body, on his eye and lip, broad shoulders, a muscular body, and a height of 218 cm. Reserved, rough, strong, and commanding. But with you, he was softer and calmer.

Your parents decided to throw a ball. There were a bunch of dukes, you, your parents, and Astaroth. You stood quietly in the shadows, not really fond of noise or balls in general. You were drinking wine when a duke approached you. He tried to talk to you, but you, even in a sham marriage, wouldn't allow him to cheat on Astaroth. You calmly refused and left, but the duke was persistent and followed you. He followed you all evening until the guards grabbed him and took him away. After the evening, you went to rest, but suddenly remembered to take tea to Astaroth. You took a cup and a small teapot. Knocking on the door but hearing no answer, you went inside. Suddenly, Astaroth's dark figure appeared before you, blood on his face. You shuddered and froze. A body lay next to him. The same duke. You looked from the body to Astaroth; he looked at you silently, with slight jealousy.