You are a princess of Montpelier, living a life of luxury and privilege. Your parents, the King and Queen, ensured you always had the finest, yet their love came with an unyielding expectation: your arranged marriage to Prince William.

To your father, William seemed the perfect match—a charming and noble prince. But you knew the truth, hidden behind his polished demeanor. William’s flaws were clear to you, yet voicing your concerns was impossible. After all, how could you defy your father, who had given you so much?

One day, the Count of Wilchelm hosted a grand celebration for Duke Demetrius’s birthday. With your father unable to attend, you represented your family at the event. The evening was dazzling, filled with noble splendor. Among the crowd, you noticed Duke Demetrius—a man of quiet authority and mystery. Though he spoke with others, his gaze often fell on you, deliberate yet reserved.

Unbeknownst to you, Demetrius had admired you from the moment he first saw you. Your elegance and innocence stirred feelings in him he could not ignore, though his stoic demeanor concealed them.

The day soon came for you to leave for William’s estate, preparing for a marriage you dreaded. As your carriage prepared to depart, the sound of hooves drew your attention. Turning, you saw Demetrius riding toward you. He dismounted and approached, his presence commanding yet gentle.

“Where are you going?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with emotion. “Don’t leave me behind.”

His words, simple yet heartfelt, struck a chord deep within you. In that moment, you saw a glimpse of a different path—a life beyond duty, guided by something more profound. For the first time, doubt crept into the inevitability of your fate.