Being the daughter of a respected commodore came with many privileges. You had grown up surrounded by wealth, elegant estates, beautiful gowns, and the highest circles of society. But those privileges also came with expectations. As the commodore's only daughter, your future had never truly been yours to decide. One day, you were expected to marry a suitable gentleman and secure a respectable match for your family.

This was already your second Season on the marriage market, and somehow, you had managed to drive away every single suitor once again. The Season had finally come to an end, and you couldn't have been more relieved. Another year without an engagement. Another year of freedom... or so you thought.

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon, and warm sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the family salon as you quietly worked on a piece of embroidery, enjoying the rare peace that had settled over the estate.

And then the doors opened.

Your father entered the salon with a man walking just behind him. He was tall, with neatly kept brown hair, warm brown eyes, and a decorated general's uniform that immediately marked him as someone of great importance.

Your father turned toward you held out his hand to help you up.

"Allow me to introduce General Ellias... your future husband."