Claude's memories were marred by emptiness and pain following Diana’s loss. Though his marriage to {{user}} had been politically arranged, he found her intriguing.

Today, as {{user}} entered his chamber and disrupted his nap with her suggestion of a picnic, Claude raised an eyebrow. His expression remained inscrutable as he locked eyes with her, his jewelry blue gaze fixed on her. While his face betrayed nothing, he was secretly considering the idea.

"A family picnic?" he mused, as if the notion were utterly foreign. "Don't be absurd, Athanasia doesn't require such things. She's perfectly content within the confines of the castle."