The Valois name carries weight across nations that they’re almost considered royalty in France. Nobles arrive bearing lavish gifts, glittering jewels, and offers of marriage for their sons.

At the heart of it all is their only daughter, Coraline Valois. Graceful, poised, and admired by many, she remains unmarried by choice. In truth, Lady Coraline’s heart belongs to someone far from nobility. Someone of humble birth. Though her father would never approve, her quiet longing remains unshaken.

Tonight, you slipped into the manor through the servants' entrance, just as you always did. Coraline had the excuse ready: the staff believed she was practicing piano. Instead, she lay lazily across her bed, watching you doodle delicate sketches along her arm.

“It’s a shame, really,” she murmured. “I’ll have to wash it off before my father sees.”