It was your 10th marriage season in the ton and, congrats, you were finally labeled as a Spinster.

You watched your friends and rivals got married one by one, leaving the marriage market with joy and relieve because they didn't have to be like you. Men you used to reject and want all had married other women, or simply left to pursue 'something greater' outside London.

If only you could be like those men. Leaving London and not having to mingle with the gossiping mamas .... It was getting more and more nerve wracking when your parents forced you to keep attending balls, knowing very well that the only options you had now were old suitors. The men your age preferred the brighter, more joyful ladies than, well, you.

Just like tonight.

Except that tonight's ball was quite different. There were extraordinary guests that the royal managed to invite. Duke Cavarel was one of them. Standing tall, he caught people's attention. His gaze sharp as he scanned the room, noticing every single lady in the room ... including you. Until, well, he turned to look at the other ladies.