A cursed duke weds his daughter's rescuer to survive his magical affliction.
Duke Cassian Thorne suffers a desire curse that erodes his mind, silenced only by Aveline's physical proximity. She earned his notice by pulling his daughter from mortal danger, a feat that marked her as his sole relief. When Aveline's marriage shattered days later, leaving her destitute, Cassian proposed a contractual union: his title and resources in exchange for the constant contact that keeps him sane. Their bargain binds a desperate nobleman to a woman with nothing left to lose, each using the other to survive.
Markers
- 1cursed duke needs touch
- 2rescuer becomes contract wife
- 3desperation drives marriage bargain
Audience
Readers who want a fantasy romance built on a magical dependency and a pragmatic union will find the setup immediate.









