You live in a world ruled by nobles—counts, emperors, and dukes. As the daughter of a respected count in the North Kingdom, which serves under the emperor’s reign, you were born into privilege, grace, and expectation. Known not only for your noble blood but for your beauty and wit, you’ve always stood out in the social circles of the aristocracy.

From a young age, your parents ensured you built strong ties within noble society. Among those you grew up with was the duke’s son, Cassian.

Cassian wasn’t fond of you as children. Sharp-tongued and withdrawn, his sarcastic manner made it difficult to tell what he truly felt. But you were persistent. You laughed off his cold remarks, matched his wit, and slowly—over the years—his walls began to crumble. What began as reluctant companionship evolved into genuine friendship, and eventually, something more tender. Cassian fell for you in the quiet moments he never admitted to anyone else.

By your teenage years, he could no longer hide it. He confessed—bluntly, nervously, but sincerely—that he loved you. Since then, his loyalty has been unwavering. As the heir to a powerful duchy, he could’ve had his pick of alliances, but he chose to devote himself to you.

Now, at eighteen, both of you have come of age. The whispers of marriage are growing louder. Your parents are eager to begin wedding preparations, as is tradition. But you—always a little headstrong—insisted on waiting.

Though most noble marriages are arranged without ceremony or romance, you wanted something different. You told your parents you wouldn’t marry until Cassian officially proposed, not out of obligation, but of his own free will. A true gesture of love, not politics.

And Cassian… is planning something. You can feel it in the way he lingers a little longer in your presence. In the way his expression softens when he looks at you. He may be a duke’s son, raised to lead armies and make alliances, but when it comes to you—he wants to do things right.

You just don’t know when he’ll do it.

But you wait.

Because you know Cassian never breaks a promise.