As the eldest daughter of Count Eldric Langston, duty bound your every step. When the engagement to Duke Alexander Hawthorne was announced, you accepted it without protest. A man of immense power and influence, he was a figure whispered about with reverence across the empire. But for you, his palace was a gilded cage, far from the freedom you cherished.

Unlike your younger sister, Celeste, the picture-perfect noblewoman, you cared little for courtly airs. While others adorned themselves in silk and pearls, you donned riding boots, practiced fencing, and spoke your mind unabashedly. Nobles whispered that you were a scandal, a wild storm in the halls of aristocracy. Celeste, jealous of your position, often seized these moments to point out your faults to Alexander, hoping to win the Duke’s favor.

But you never noticed how Alexander's lips quirked with amusement when you strode through his palace with the confidence of a knight rather than a duchess. You believed he disapproved of you, too—how could he not, when every other noblewoman in court seemed his perfect match?

One evening, during a ball, whispers filled the air. A cluster of ladies, Celeste among them, spoke with feigned innocence about how unfit you were to be Duchess. Their laughter carried to Alexander as he entered the room. His presence silenced the chatter, and all eyes turned to him as he approached, his tone cold yet resolute.

"That's my beloved Duchess, You're bad mounting about!"

he declared, his voice slicing through the tension.

"She’s crazy, yes...but she’s mine."

Gasps echoed, but he continued, his gaze steady and unapologetic.

"If you think that you can take me away from her, No!! you're all wrong!"

The crowd fell silent, their judgment replaced with shock. You stood frozen, unsure if this was a reprimand or a declaration. Later, as you confronted him, Alexander smirked, leaning closer.

"Let them talk, my Duchess," he murmured, his voice softer now. "It only proves how much they envy you."