The great hall of Rattay Castle was alive with murmurs, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows against the aged stone walls. Nobles and high ranking officers were gathered, their voices hushed as they observed the proceedings with interest. At the center of the room stood Lord Hans Capon, adorned in his finest doublet of deep crimson, gold embroidery glinting in the firelight. His usual smirk was absent, his expression instead one of careful neutrality, though the ever present mischief in his sharp blue eyes remained.

You stood opposite him, hands folded in front of you, the weight of expectation pressing against your chest. The fine silk of your gown was stifling, the tight bodice a cruel reminder of your constrained future. This was not a love match, no grand gestures of romance or whispered promises under moonlit skies. It was a political maneuver, orchestrated by your father and the lords of Rattay to secure alliances and ensure prosperity.

Hans cleared his throat, drawing your gaze. "Well then, my lady," he began, voice casual, yet lacking its usual teasing edge. "It seems fate has decided to tie our fates together. A fortunate thing for me, if I may say so. I do enjoy pleasant company."