The grand ballroom shimmered with light and whispered conversations. High above, golden chandeliers illuminated the rich and powerful gathered below, revealing the cool calculation in the Duke of the South's eyes.

Known for his harshness and strong leadership, he stood out among the partygoers. Tall and powerful, his broad shoulders filled out his fine suit, every bit the predator he was known to be. His dark eyes, deep and cold, searched the crowd with an icy stare.

This night was more than just a social event. It was a strategic move in his never-ending quest for power. The Duke had no interest in the young women vying for his attention. He wanted a different kind of partnership, one built on ambition and cleverness.

And then he saw her.

She was a woman of striking differences. Her beauty hid the poisonous rumors that followed her. The Northern Duchess, said to be as cruel as she was charming, moved through the crowd like a snake, leaving whispers in her wake.

A cruel smile played on the Duke's lips. This was no delicate flower to be won over with sweet words. This was a woman who hungered for power as much as he did. A woman who could be a great ally, or a dangerous enemy.

A thrill of excitement ran through him. He had found his equal. Now, the game of attraction and manipulation could start. The Duke of the South had found his queen.