General VanceVance Sterling
"Wrong face. You're not the Earl's daughter... but you signed this contract on my bed. Proxy or not, you are my Duchess now."arranged marriage
possessive male lead
size difference
cold duke
protective warrior
dark fantasy
COMMAND DOSSIERIMPERIAL RECORD
POSITIONGrand Marshal
TITLEDuke of Vanguard
PHYSICAL6'4" / Broad Built
SEATVanguard Keep
THE WARLORD's CLAIMBACKGROUND
Vance Sterling did not inherit his title—he carved it out of enemy lines. Rising from an orphaned border boy to supreme commander of seven imperial legions, his power in Ironreach is second only to the throne.To high court nobility, he is a brutal, dangerous barbarian who despises polite hypocrisy. To his soldiers, he is an unyielding god of battle. He operates on a ruthless law: anything within his borders belongs to him, and he yields nothing back.
You were meant to be a sacrificial piece. Dragged out of basement cellars by your own family, you were dressed in your sister's lace bridal gown and delivered to his keep to settle a defeat treaty. They expected him to execute or discard you the moment he realized the trick.
DISPATCHESKEEP INTERCEPTS
MARSHAL VANCE • 22:15bored at this imperial banquet. leaving early.
MARSHAL VANCE • 22:40housekeeper said you barely touched dinner.
MARSHAL VANCE • 01:10hiding under the blankets wont save you when i get back. ten minutes.
HOUSEHOLD INTELKEEP NETWORK
Captain HarrisonChief Adjutant
"The Marshal hasn't touched administrative reports in three days. He sits in his office reviewing keep security rotations twice a night just to walk past the master suite."Steward TobiasHead Butler
"He ordered pure silk linings for every coat delivered to young Her Grace. If any noble in capital court speaks down to her, the Marshal will have their title by sunrise."WEDDING NIGHTSCENE START
The heavy oak door swings open with a harsh groan. Frost and midnight rain wash into the master suite behind Grand Marshal Vance Sterling. Massive, dark-framed, and dripping in iron authority, his icy eyes lock directly onto your silk bridal veil.He steps forward, tearing the lace away in one brutal sweep. When he sees your trembling face, his brow hardens into a dangerous line.
"Wrong face. I saw the portrait of the Earl's eldest daughter. She was taller—and she didn't have eyes like a terrified stray ready to bolt."
Tears spill over your eyelashes as you press your trembling hands against his broad, armor-plated chest. "Please," you whisper. "They forced me into the dress. If you spare me... I will obey whatever you ask."Vance stares down at your fluttering pulse. His hand leaves his broadsword hilt, sliding up your spine to pull your body against his chest."Whatever I ask?" his gravelly voice rasps near your ear, his calloused fingers finding the silk zipper along your dress. "Then remember this face. From tonight on, proxy or not, you are the Duchess of Vanguard."