I Became the Fake Fiancée of the Ice Duke!
Episode 1: The Accidental Fiancée
[Duke Aedrian’s Study — Late Night]
Elysia Verdan
That was intense.
Elysia Verdan
I thought Lady Vivienne was going to rip me apart with her eyes.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She suspects something.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She always does.
Elysia Verdan
And here I thought nobles just drank tea and gossiped. Turns out, they’re more like hungry wolves.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*amused* You’re quick to observe.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
That will serve you well.
Elysia Verdan
*grinning* Well, I have to be quick. One wrong step, and your enemies will eat me alive.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*serious* That is not an exaggeration.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Some of my enemies do not hesitate to eliminate obstacles.
Elysia Verdan
Great. Wonderful. I feel so safe.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If you are afraid, you can leave.
Elysia Verdan
And go back to dodging debt collectors?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Then stay close to me. *softly*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*turning away*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Nothing. Get some rest.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Tomorrow, we have another engagement to attend.
[The Grand Winter Ball – The Royal Palace]
Elysia Verdan
*whispering* Why is everyone staring at me?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Because you’re with me.
Elysia Verdan
The terrifying, ruthless Ice Duke.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*raising an eyebrow* Are you afraid?
Elysia Verdan
*grinning* Oh, terribly. Shaking in my shoes.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*chuckles softly*
Elysia Verdan
Did you just—did you just laugh?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
No.
Elysia Verdan
*whispering* You totally did. I heard it.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Focus, Elysia
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Ah, the happy couple. How delightful.
Elysia Verdan
Lady Vivienne. You look stunning tonight.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*smirking* As do you.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Tell me, how did you and the Duke meet?
Elysia Verdan
*internally panicking*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
It was fate.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*chuckling* Fate?
Elysia Verdan
A fateful encounter in the middle of a snowstorm. Very dramatic.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*intrigued* How romantic.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
And yet… you seem so different from the Duke.
Elysia Verdan
*laughing nervously* Opposites attract, right?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
We complement each other.
Elysia Verdan
*startled* Exactly.
Elysia Verdan
He’s cold, I’m warm. Perfect balance.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
I see. Well, enjoy the evening.
[Lady Vivienne walks away]
Elysia Verdan
*whispering* Did we pass the test?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Barely. Stay close to me.
Elysia Verdan
*rolling her eyes* You keep saying that.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
And yet you keep wandering. *lowering his voice*
Elysia Verdan
*mock gasp* Are you worried about me, Your Grace?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*smirking* I am worried about my investment.
Elysia Verdan
*grinning* Uh-huh. Sure.
Elysia Verdan
So, what happens if we get caught?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
We won’t.
Elysia Verdan
Wow, reassuring.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Do you regret signing the contract?
Elysia Verdan
*pausing* …I don’t know.
Elysia Verdan
It’s dangerous, sure. But at least I’m not running anymore.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*softly* No, you’re not.
Elysia Verdan
*smiling* And hey, being engaged to the Ice Duke isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*chuckles* You’re the first to say that.
Elysia Verdan
*playfully* Maybe I’ll be the last, too.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
…Perhaps.
Episode 2: A Dangerous Game
[Frostbourne Manor – The Next Day]
Elysia Verdan
*groaning* Ugh… remind me never to wear heels for that long again.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You managed well enough.
Elysia Verdan
"Managed"? I deserve a medal for that performance!
Elysia Verdan
Lady Vivienne was practically breathing down my neck, and I still charmed her socks off.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If that’s how you choose to describe it. *raising an eyebrow*
Elysia Verdan
*mock gasp* Was that a compliment, Your Grace?
Elysia Verdan
Careful, you might ruin your icy reputation.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You should focus on remembering your role.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
The engagement is far from over.
Elysia Verdan
*sighs* Right. How long are we doing this again?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Until my enemies are dealt with.
Elysia Verdan
*muttering* Vague and ominous. Love that.
[A knock on the door interrupts them. A butler enters, bowing respectfully.]
Butler
Your Grace, a letter has arrived. It bears the royal seal
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*taking the letter*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*frowning* …The palace.
Elysia Verdan
*nervous* Is that bad?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*opening the letter*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
The King has summoned us. We are to appear at court by the week's end.
Elysia Verdan
*choking on her tea*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Yes.
Elysia Verdan
Oh no. No, no, no. Meeting snobby nobles is one thing, but the King?
Elysia Verdan
What if he sees right through this fake engagement?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Then we must ensure he does not.
Elysia Verdan
*whining* This contract keeps getting worse…
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If you wish to back out—
Elysia Verdan
I already signed, didn’t I?
Elysia Verdan
I just need to… not look like a fraud in front of the literal ruler of the kingdom.
Elysia Verdan
Easy, right?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Perhaps. *smirks slightly*
Elysia Verdan
That was sarcasm, wasn’t it?
Elysia paces in her bedroom, rereading the contract she signed. The flickering candlelight casts shadows on the walls.
Elysia Verdan
*muttering* “Pretend to be the Duke’s fiancée until his enemies are defeated.”
Elysia Verdan
Yeah, great. But no one said anything about meeting the King!
[A knock on her door startles her.]
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
It’s me.
Elysia Verdan
*blinking* Him? At my door? At this hour?
She hesitates before opening the door. The Duke stands there, his usual composed expression in place, but his gaze sharper than usual.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You look like you have something to say.
Elysia Verdan
Oh, just a minor concern. What exactly are we supposed to do at the palace?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
The King is summoning us to verify our engagement.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*nodding* There have been… rumors.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
People are already questioning whether our relationship is real.
Elysia Verdan
*groaning* Of course they are. This whole engagement was a bad idea!
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
It was a necessary idea.
Elysia Verdan
*mocking* “It was a necessary idea.”
Elysia Verdan
(Of course, Your Grace, let’s just lie to the most powerful man in the kingdom. What could go wrong?)
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You’re more dramatic than I expected. *smirking slightly*
Elysia Verdan
Oh, I’m sorry if I’m panicking about my impending doom!
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You won’t be doomed… if you do exactly as I say.
Elysia Verdan
…And what exactly do you have in mind?
[The Training – Frostbourne Manor’s Private Garden]
The next morning, Elysia finds herself dragged into an unexpected “lesson” in acting like the Duke’s fiancée.
Elysia Verdan
*grumbling* I thought noble ladies spent their days lounging on velvet cushions, not getting trained like soldiers.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If you want to survive court, you must know how to behave properly.
Elysia Verdan
*scoffing* I already know how to pretend to like you. Isn’t that enough?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*raising an eyebrow* Do you?
He suddenly steps closer, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers. Elysia stiffens.
Elysia Verdan
*nervous laugh* Uh… what are you doing?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If someone were watching us right now, would they believe you’re in love with me?
Elysia Verdan
*gulping* …I—
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*quietly* If you hesitate, they’ll know. If you flinch, they’ll suspect.
Elysia Verdan
You take the fun out of everything, you know that?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*amused* This isn’t supposed to be fun.
Elysia Verdan
*sighing* Fine. Teach me how to fool a King.
[Later That Day – Inside the Manor]
Elysia and Aedrian sit across from each other, practicing the details of their fake relationship.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
How did we meet?
Elysia Verdan
*smirking* A romantic snowfall. Love at first sight.
Elysia Verdan
I gazed into your eyes, and the world disappeared.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
That’s ridiculous.
Elysia Verdan
*laughing* I know. But wouldn’t that make the nobles swoon?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
The real answer
Elysia Verdan
*rolling her eyes* Fine. We met at a winter festival, where you saved me from a runaway horse.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*nodding* Better.
Elysia Verdan
Though I think my version was more dramatic. *teasing*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
I prefer believable.
Elysia Verdan
You’re no fun. *sighs*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
And yet, here you are.
As the palace summons looms closer, Elysia realizes this is more than just a simple act.
Every glance, every word, and every moment with the Duke must be carefully played.
But what happens when the lines between pretend and reality start to blur?
Episode 3: Whispers at Court
Elysia had never been to the royal palace before.
Actually, she had never even seen it—only heard stories of its golden halls, sprawling gardens, and nobles so rich they could buy entire towns without blinking.
But the way Aedrian spoke about it, the palace was less of a grand dream and more of a battlefield.
And she was about to walk straight into it.
Elysia Verdan
*groaning* I don’t see why I need another etiquette lesson.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Because you still don’t know how to curtsy properly.
Elysia Verdan
*mock horror* Oh no, my tragic flaw! A slightly messy curtsy! How will I ever survive?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Do you want to embarrass yourself in front of the King?
Elysia Verdan
…Point taken.
She flopped onto the velvet couch dramatically, earning a small sigh from the Duke.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You’ll also need to remember the names of the key nobles. They will test you.
Elysia Verdan
*grumbling* Tests, curtsies, fake romance—this engagement is more exhausting than real ones.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*smirking* That’s because real ones involve affection.
Elysia Verdan
*mock gasp* You wound me, Your Grace.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*amused* And yet, you continue talking.
Elysia Verdan
It’s my survival instinct. *smiling*
The Frostbourne carriage was the definition of luxury—dark blue velvet seats, gold-engraved details, and enough space for a small party. Yet, despite its comfort, Elysia found herself fidgeting.
The weight of what they were about to do pressed against her.
Pretending at a ball was one thing. Fooling the entire court? That was another.
Elysia Verdan
*sighs* Tell me again—what exactly are we walking into?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
A nest of vipers.
Elysia Verdan
Fantastic. So reassuring.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
The King summoned us to confirm our engagement. But more importantly, this is a test.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If we show weakness, the rumors will spread faster.
Elysia Verdan
You really have a lot of enemies, don’t you?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Power attracts both allies and threats.
Elysia Verdan
And now I’m part of this mess.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You chose to sign the contract.
Elysia Verdan
You tricked me into it!
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*smirking* Did I?
Elysia crossed her arms, glaring. The Duke, infuriating as always, simply continued reading a document as if this were any normal trip.
Her heart, however, was anything but calm.
[The Arrival – Palace Gates]
The moment their carriage rolled to a stop, Elysia felt dozens of eyes on her.
Lined in rows, royal guards stood at attention, dressed in shining silver armor. Beyond them, nobles in elaborate gowns and tailored suits whispered behind gloved hands.
Elysia Verdan
*muttering* This is a lot of people.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Ignore them. Walk with confidence. *calmly*
Elysia Verdan
Easy for you to say. You actually belong here.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Then act as if you do.
Elysia hesitated—then took his arm. Together, they stepped onto the grand marble staircase leading into the palace.
As soon as they entered, a familiar voice rang out.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Oh, what a surprise.
Elysia turned to see Lady Vivienne Rosenthal standing elegantly in the corridor, her smoking-red eyes filled with amusement.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*smirking* I was wondering when I’d get to see the infamous fiancée of the Ice Duke.
Elysia Verdan
And I was wondering how long it would take before someone tried to test me. *smiling sweetly*
Lady Vivienne’s smile faltered ever so slightly.
Duke Aedrian, standing tall beside Elysia, spoke with his usual cold authority.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Lady Vivienne. I assume you are here to greet us properly?
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*laughing slightly* Oh, of course. My apologies—how rude of me.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*eyeing Elysia* I was simply… curious.
Elysia Verdan
*tilting her head* About?
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*smirking* How a merchant’s daughter captured the heart of the North’s coldest duke.
Elysia Verdan
Oh, it was simple. I thawed him.
A nearby noble gasped. Someone choked on their tea.
For the first time, Duke Aedrian looked slightly caught off guard.
Lady Vivienne blinked, then laughed, her sharp gaze scanning Elysia as if reassessing her.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Interesting.
A court official suddenly approached, bowing.
Official
His Majesty is ready to receive you.
Elysia’s stomach dropped.
Elysia Verdan
And here comes the real test. *muttering*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Let’s begin, then.
He led her toward the towering golden doors of the throne room. As the guards pushed them open, Elysia took a deep breath.
The moment that would decide everything.
[The Throne Room – Meeting the King]
The throne room was vast, with towering stained-glass windows and a massive crystal chandelier casting golden light across the polished marble floor. Rows of nobles stood along the walls, their eyes filled with intrigue.
At the far end of the room, seated on an ornate throne, was King Atlas III—a man in his late fifties, dressed in regal blues and golds, his sharp eyes assessing them.
King Atlas
Duke Frostbourne.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*bowing* Your Majesty.
Elysia quickly followed, executing the perfect curtsy.
Elysia Verdan
(Thank you, countless hours of practice.)
The King’s gaze flicked to her.
King Atlas
So… you are the woman who has captured my nephew’s heart.
Elysia Verdan
*blinking* (Wait… nephew?!)
She barely managed to keep her expression neutral. No one told her the Ice Duke was royalty.
King Atlas
*watching her closely* Tell me, Lady Elysia, how did you come to love the Duke?
Elysia Verdan
*heartbeat racing* Oh no.
Every noble in the room was waiting for her answer. This was her moment—one wrong word, and everything could crumble.
She took a breath, forcing a soft, genuine smile.
Elysia Verdan
Your Majesty, loving Aedrian…
Elysia Verdan
Was never a choice.
Elysia Verdan
It simply happened.
There was a pause. The King raised an eyebrow.
Aedrian, standing beside her, remained unreadable.
King Atlas
*chuckling* A simple answer.
Elysia Verdan
*smiling sweetly* But the truth rarely needs embellishment.
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