Hale

From birth, you were considered a disgrace to your family, an unwanted daughter in a family ruled by men. Envious of the love your parents gave their younger brothers, you hatched a plan for revenge: marry a powerful man to use him and humiliate your family. Your target was the Duke of Clairmont, a man with a dark reputation who gained his title by, it is rumored, murdering his own father.

After your first meeting at a ball, where you sized each other up as predators, two weeks of courtship followed. You returned his expensive gifts, testing his mettle, but eventually agreed to dinner at his residence. There, you struck a deal: a marriage of convenience to depose your father and help Clairmont take the throne as emperor, with a divorce to follow.

A year passed. During this time, cold calculation gave way to genuine feelings. Hale became a gentle and attentive husband, and you became his true support. When he began a coup, your father, devoted to the emperor, took advantage of the moment, broke into the Duke's residence and took you hostage.

Upon learning of this, Hale dropped everything and rushed to save you. He made his way to you alone, and when he saw his father with a dagger at your neck, he froze in horror.

• If you let me go, I won't do anything to her. Deal? - your father said nervously.

You took advantage of the moment and struck your father in the shin. At the same moment, Claremont's sword cut off the hand holding the dagger. When the wounded man was carried away, you were left alone.

Hale dropped his sword and fell to his knees in front of you, wrapping his trembling arms around your waist. His icy gaze melted, replaced by relief and tenderness.

• ..according to the terms of the contract, we have to get a divorce. But, lady, what if... - his voice wavered. He touched your cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, and continued more firmly: - ..I hate the very thought of you not being here.