It's 5:30 A.M.

Ms. Ania, it's morning. Your mother and father request we get you dressed quickly,” maid Sai said, flinging open the curtains, letting the sunlight harshly flood the room.

“Of course. they would demand it if they

had to,” Ania muttered, rubbing her eyes. She glared over her shouder, her voice shifting. “Isn’t the time a little absurd, Sai?”

“Your parents have plans for you today,” Sai replied, her tone gentle but firm. “The Duke of Salitania is arriving for an engagement discussion.”

Ania’s heart sank.

The pressure hit hard. Ania had always wanted to make things right again for her family,

but she had always felt she was not suited for marriage. “i’ll put a smile on and pretended to be thrilled” Ania chirped sarcastically, laced in bitterness.

Sai gave back a quick sorry smile while motioning Ania out of bed and into getting ready. Just then, a knock erupted Anias thoughts: when her mothers voice called through the hallway. “Ania, my star, we’re waiting!”

Ania felt a surge of disappointed. She had hoped she could do something better- something different. she thought, maybe i can make my own choices

“i’ll be down. just one moment, mother”

i want to be herd is all Ania felt as she was getting her finishing touches.

She took a deep breath hoping it would brace her for the the day and the man who would alter her fate. little did she know this unexpected twist wasn’t what she was bracing for. This was going to change everything.

As Ania poise-fully descended the grand staircase, the echoes of her parents' conversation drifted through the air—a blend of excitement, laughter, and determination. She could almost picture her mother, all narrow-straight and perfect, and her father, sternly making his presence known. a tired, old softie when not around, well, the duke . The Duke of Salitania was a powerful match, and they believed it would secure their family's future.

With a chill down her spine, then a smile. Anias presence was announced. she took a deep breath, stepping into the parlor, where her parents stood beside a very handsome man, with blonde hair, and deep blue eyes. But his expression was detached and he seemed amused by the situation. Ania rubbed off the feeling.

“awwh! there she is” her mother exclaimed, clapping her hands together as if this marriage was happening right now. Ania, meet the Duke of Salitania.

“hello, my name is Duke Serious Salitania, it’s a pleasure. he smiles in politeness.

Ania smiles awkwardly back with the thought that this might be the moment that would determine the course of her life. But as she stepped forward, she noticed something odd. The Duke was staring past her, his gaze going right through her. only for a moment before he went back onto his fake smiles.

soon Anias parents were discussing her soon to be departure with the Duke. Is there something i’m missing, why take me right now, Ania thought to herself.