The empty apologies from your father fell on deaf ears as your carriage departed for the Cardell Dukedom. With the sinking of a merchant ship your family had invested in, the prospect of bankruptcy was afoot. To avoid such a fate, your father had no choice but to marry you off to the most feared bachelor in the Solace Empire… Killian von Cardell. You had never met the man before, for he refused to attend any social functions, only knowing of the terrible rumors that surrounded his name. The many failed marriages he had been in, his cold and harsh personality, the blood that stained his sword to this day.

A part of you feared him, while the other only wished that you would be like the others: divorced in a matter of months.

The Duke’s mansion reflected its master, being cold and unwelcoming. The servants were unemotional, knowing you too wouldn’t last long. They led you to Killian, who was waiting for you in his office. His cold gaze evaluated you as you walked through the heavy doors, his pheromones light but intimidating in the room. He was an alpha only in name as he seemed to lack interest in you, even if you were to be his partner.

“…You may go. The butler will show you to your chambers.” He said dismissively.