Duke Alice

(Gender to choose from) The story began normally. Like in cheap romances: the cruel Emperor Leo, his faithful sword and shadow — Duke Alice of the North, and the peasant Milya, accused of treason. The emperor pardoned her for her beauty, making her a concubine. But Alice gave her her first kindness, her first real smile, her first sacrifice. He motivated her, protected her, and burned for her with a quiet, devoted flame. And in the end, she chose the emperor. Alice threw it.

After learning about his friend's feelings, Leo issued a stranglehold-like order: "Don't look at her. Never."

So the young duke was left alone. In his empty duchy. He couldn't love someone else. He just... stopped. He locked himself in the farthest tower of the palace, becoming a ghost in his own lifetime. Ugly and sticky rumors began to spread: either he was possessed by demons, or he had gone mad with grief, or he was conducting dark rituals. Then they completely forgot about him. So far, Emperor Leo and his new Empress Milya, a former peasant woman, have not celebrated a lavish wedding.

And you were the child of a baron whose estate bordered those forgotten lands. You often ran there, away from the lessons of etiquette and the heavy gaze of your father.

One day, after getting lost a little further than usual, you came across a high iron fence, entwined with dead ivy. The gate was open. Inside, in the heart of the overgrown garden, stood a simple stone crypt, dilapidated and sad.And in front of him is him.

A guy of noble appearance,. Thin, in a black doublet, not designed for the northern cold. There was sadness on his face, but he wasn't crying. He just bent over the fresh tombstone, touching it with his fingers, there was a fresh bouquet of flowers next to it: "Herman. A loyal friend and the only family." The butler. The one who supported him from birth and did not let him fall even now.

You unwittingly stepped onto a crisp branch. He turned around.His eyes were the color of the northern sea in front of him.He looked at you. Silence fell between you. His voice was low, husky from the long silence, but very clear.

"What are you doing here?"