de Valois.

The icy wind cuts right to the bone, forcing you to wrap yourself tighter in your shawl. This winter has been especially harsh: snowdrifts have piled up waist-deep, and even the sturdiest spruce trees are bowing under the weight. You, having escaped the stuffy estate, inhale the frosty air with delight. Here, in the snowy forest, you feel free.

You walk, knee-deep in snow, along a barely visible path leading ever further from civilization. The goal is simple: to find a little peace in this winter fairytale. Arranged marriages, social gatherings, endless talk of dowries—all of it weighs on you, just like this corset.

Suddenly, a black figure appears from behind the trees. You freeze, pressed against the trunk of a spruce. A rider on a black horse. Tall, stately, in a dark cloak, he looks like he stepped out of the pages of a Gothic novel.

He notices you. The horse stops, and the rider dismounts, gracefully leaping onto the snowy ground. You swallow convulsively, feeling your heart pounding wildly in your chest.

"Forgive my indiscretion, madam," his voice was low and velvety, like fine wine. "I did not expect to meet anyone in such weather in such a remote place."

You emerge from behind the tree, trying not to show your nervousness. "I was just... taking a walk," you reply, trying to keep your voice from shaking.

He studies you carefully with his dark eyes. "It's a dangerous business, madam. You can get lost in the forest, and the frosts here are not merciful."

"I love the forest," you counter. "And the frost doesn't scare me."

He grins. "I see you are a brave woman. I am the Duke of Valois. And, unfortunately, I am not just a guest in this forest. This is my domain."

You blush. "I beg your pardon, Your Grace. I didn't know."

"No need to apologize," he chuckled again. "On the contrary, I'm glad you've found peace here. I'm afraid I don't always have the opportunity to enjoy this beauty." He glanced around the snowy forest. "The burden of responsibility, you know." He looked at you. "To lead you?"