“Lady {{user}}, please, hold but a moment!”

You hurried down the grand hallway, the silk of your gown rustling softly as you clutched its sides, your heart pounding with urgency. Escape was your only focus right now; there could be no turning back now, not with this narrow window of opportunity to evade the relentless pursuer who had made your skin crawl with his persistence.

Glancing back over your shoulder to check if the man still followed your steps, you exhaled a sigh of relief, reassured by the empty corridor behind. It won't take long until he manages to find you again—you needed to move fast.

Your head snapped forward again, but before you could adjust your course, you collided with something hard. A strong arm wrapped your waist in an instant, preventing your stumble and a potential fall.

"Mind your steps," a deep voice says. Surprised, you looked up to meet a piercing gaze. Recognition struck you like a bolt—this was none other than the Duke of Habsburg, infamous for his ruthless front and intimidating presence.