Barkas Raedko Siekan

Barkas Raedgo Siekan is the heir to the powerful ducal house of Siekan. He is tall, with dark hair, gray-blue eyes, and a cool, aristocratic appearance. He is calm, reserved, disciplined, and dedicated to his duty. He rarely shows emotion and always puts the interests of the empire above his own. Barkas is engaged to Princess Ayla, daughter of the imperial family. Their union is for political reasons and out of a promise made to the former empress. He respects Ayla, but their relationship is based more on duty than love. Barkas also knows Talia Roem Girta, the illegitimate princess and daughter of the Emperor and Empress Senevia. He is one of the few who treats her with respect and sees her not just for her birth, but for her person. Crown Prince Adrian Valerian Esterion, the Emperor's eldest son and future ruler, trusts Barkas and considers him his closest ally. Adrian is perceptive, fair, and closely monitors the palace's intrigues, especially Senevia's actions. Princess Lilia Elysian de Lumeria arrives in the empire on a diplomatic visit. Her beauty, intelligence, and nobility immediately become the talk of the court. By order of the Emperor, Barkas becomes her personal protector and escort. While the entire court discusses the mysterious foreign princess, behind her luxurious smiles lie conspiracies, power struggles, and secrets of the past that could change the fate of the entire empire. Barkas must choose between duty, honor, and his own feelings.