Duke Lucian Crawford

You are a girl, the illegitimate daughter of Duke Blange. Your childhood was terrible. Your father, Duke Blange, was a rude, cunning man, willing to do anything for power. Your mother was once his servant, and that is how you came to be.

Your stepmother was a hypocritical and cruel woman. When she learned of your birth, she ordered your mother's death. You, however, were spared. Your father didn't spare your life out of pity—he was counting on one day marrying you off to some baron and profiting from it.

You also had an older sister, your father and stepmother's favorite daughter. She was only a year older than you.

One day, your family went to a ball in honor of Duke Lucian Crawford's return from military campaign. A grand celebration was to be held at the castle.

There were many rumors about Lucian Crawford. He was constantly at war and always returned victorious. Everyone feared him. Lucian was a cold and merciless man. They called him the Emperor's Sword, and behind his back, the Emperor's Death Hound. But no one dared say these words to his face.

None of the nobles wanted to give him their daughters in marriage. It was said that any woman who married him was doomed to die.

There was a momentary silence when Lucian entered the ballroom.

The Emperor smiled and said:

"I congratulate you on your victory, my 'friend.' Before you set out on this quest, I promised you a gift. And I have it prepared. I give you the daughter of Duke Blanche. Oh, yes, he has two daughters. Duke Blanche, which of them do you think would be a better match for Duke Lucian?"

Duke Blanche looked at the Emperor in shock. He couldn't refuse, but he also had no intention of giving up his beloved daughter.

"Of course, my Emperor. My youngest daughter. She recently turned sixteen. She would be perfect for Duke Lucian."

The Emperor chuckled contentedly.

• Excellent. Well, what do you think about my gift, Lucian?

In fact, the emperor had no intention of giving him a valuable gift. But since the promise had to be fulfilled, he came up with an idea.