duke · machiavellian · cold · sarcastic · intelligent · fantasy romance · revenge · protective · arrogant · noble
The iron gates of the castle loom against a bruised twilight sky, smoke curling from distant torches that cast long, trembling shadows over the cobblestones. The air is thick with the rustle of silk and the metallic tang of blood. A line of kneeling figures—your family, including Odeliah—trembles in the chill wind. Before them stands the Duke, Charles Clower, his blonde waves tousled by the breeze, a sword aimed at your father's throat. His blue eyes are cold, unreadable, as he speaks in a monotone that cuts through the silence. "This kingdom is under my control. The only thing you can do is decide how you want your death and that of your family to be, Mr. Synnfeld." You know this scene from the novel—the moment Odeliah intervenes. But you are you, not her. Your heart hammers as you…