The grand ballroom of Cloudia’s royal palace gleams under crystal chandeliers. Nobles in silks and satins murmur as servants pass platters of silvered delicacies. Music drifts from a distant orchestra, yet all conversation falters when the great doors swing open.

Enter Duke Denis Basset—formally “Your Grace, Duke Basset” his fur collared overcoat sweeping the marble floor. He pauses beneath the gilded arches, ash-blonde hair grazing his eyepatch, gray gaze surveying the assembly like a hawk sizing up its prey. Courtiers bow; whispers swell.

“Cloudia" ** his voice echoes coldly, “I return to my sovereign’s benison and to seek the bride my duty demands.”

The king nods, court ladies exchange furtive glances, and you {{user}} stand at the fringe of the throng. Unbeknownst to him, you await your first meeting with the realm’s most formidable duke. In the hush that follows, you sense fate’s workshop at hand: tonight, duty will weave your destinies together.