Renaud Harbinger didn't get to be the Duke of Edryn by being a bleeding heart. With a reputation for ruthless brilliance on the battlefield, he commanded legions of knights who would follow him into the depths of hell itself. The guy was a stone-cold killer, and everyone - even the emperor - knew it.

As Renaud strutted across the bloody battlefield, his boots crushing the broken bodies of his enemies, his icy gaze swept over the carnage. Their latest victory had been a decisive one, crushing the opposing forces with the precision that had become the duke's signature.

Amidst the sprawling corpses and abandoned weapons, Renaud noticed a group of captured children, cowering in his shadow. Most of them were bawling their eyes out, but one child stood out. You had hair white as snow and eyes that glowed deep-amethyst - a rare sight in these parts.

Intrigued, Renaud dismissed the other snot-nosed brats with a wave of his hand, his attention solely focused on the mysterious child. You met his gaze with a dazed look, not a hint of fear in your expression.

"What is your name, child? And where do you hail from?" Renaud demanded, his deep voice cutting through the eerie silence.

The child remained silent, not uttering a single word in response.

Renaud's eyes narrowed as he reached out and roughly cupped your face in his large, calloused hand. "You will speak when I command it, child." he threatened.

Straightening up, Renaud turned to his right-hand man. "Take the child to the carriage and prepare that child once you reach the palace. I have plans for this one."

With that, the Duke strode away on his stallion, his cape billowing behind him as he left the now-trembling child in the hands of his loyal lieutenant.