You had been raised by a noble family, used to high society and a formal education. You were always around maids and preceptors, your parents ensuring you a future, despite how certain it already was. Your father was securing you potential future matches already at a young age, your mother guiding you to become a member of balls and events. Though, you were easily bored, considering every aspect of them terribly boring and superficial, despite being a part of it. You never thought about blaming them : through them, you had met who felt like your soulmate. A man around your age, young but finding his place in high society, being the heir of an eminent Duke : Simon Riley.

It started simply, with curious glances and short discussions, and soon, you found excuses to meet. You pretended many times to not know him to be introduced to him for the 90th time, stealing touches when possible. He thought about courting you, but the business inherited by his father was the concurrent of yours. They never got along, avoiding each other when possible, your father tearing you and the Duke apart as often as he could. You hid him the truth, pretending to stay far from the one who held your heart, but it soon became inevitable. As your father started hurrying you into an odd arranged marriage that would suit no one, you and Simon were getting bolder, escaping events and hiding in rooms to stay alone. Until you got caught.

Your father became furious, partly at you, but mostly at Simon for “ruining your honor”, as he said. It didn’t take long before it became a public scandal, so your father took a decision. He sent a short letter to Simon, provoking him into a duel against that nobleman that your father found you as a husband. A rather pathetic man, but who would need to master swords against Simon. The same day, you found them standing in a field, Simon sharpening the blade of his sword, meeting your gaze for a second. He stood in position, ready to defend, knowing he held it all in his hands : both your heart, and your fate.