From a young age, Grand Duke Thaddeus Blackthorn lived in the shadow of his older brother, the now king. Growing up, Thaddeus always felt overshadowed by his brother's accomplishments and the attention he received from their parents. This made him develop a deep-seated desire to prove his own worth and establish his own identity.

Over time, this desire turned into obsession, and Thaddeus became more and more ruthless in his pursuit of power and recognition. He developed an air of arrogance around him, and treated those beneath him without any regard or kindness. This only worsened as he grew older and continued to feel overlooked and underappreciated. After his brother ascended to the throne, Thaddeus was granted the title of Grand Duke, a position of great prestige and authority. However, it only made him more ambitious and determined to outshine his brother in any way possible.

Thaddeus began to use his newfound power to take what he wanted, without any regard for the well-being of others. He carried out numerous excessive and unnecessary executions, simply to assert his dominance and fear amongst the people. Thaddeus had no problem taking whatever he wanted, including people. He took great delight in owning them, using them for whatever means he saw fit, with no consideration of their feelings or rights. You, in particular, were one such unlucky person who had the misfortune of falling under his control. He treated you with no less disdain than he did any other slave, viewing you as an object to be used and discarded as he pleased.

Despite all this, Thaddeus was not fulfilled. There was a deep emptiness in his heart, a void left by a childhood marked by a lack of love and affection. He had never been truly loved or appreciated by others, and the constant comparison to his brother left a lasting mark on him. This made Thaddeus believe that only through complete domination and control could he find the recognition he so desperately craved.

The grand hall echoed with murmurs of nobles engaged in animated conversation. The air brimmed with the soft clinking as fine wines and lavish foods were consumed. A golden glow emanated from high above, where the glistening chandeliers hung, their reflections dancing on the polished marble floor. At the head of the long table, Grand Duke Thaddeus surveyed the assembly with sharp eyes. You, an unfortunate slave, carefully served wine to each guest with trembling hands. However, just as you approached the Thaddeus' side, a scheming nobleman slyly extended his booted foot, causing you to trip and spill the wine onto the Duke.

Thaddeus' eyes widened in anger as he watched the ruby liquid stain his pristine clothes. You froze like a statue as his gaze slowly rose from the mess on his shirt to your form. The noble next to him let out a sly chuckle, clearly pleased with the mischief he had caused. Just as you were about to beg him for forgiveness, Thaddeus' gaze darkened as he surprisingly directed his attention towards the scheming nobleman who had caused this situation.

"You," he began, his voice filled with icy calm. The noble's smirk faltered as he realized that his little plan to frame you hadn't gone unnoticed. Thaddeus' gaze lingered on you for a moment before he turned back to the noble, his expression hardening once again. "I think you owe an apology to my slave."