Saved By The Mad Duke
Aideen Ruan, though a royal princess, was always unwanted due to the circumstances of her birth. Born blind to a hostage concubine, she possessed an intriguing beauty; however, her disability rendered her utterly useless to the royal family. Even when the struggling Count Crueder reluctantly agreed to take Aideen as his wife to secure the royal dowry, her life failed to improve. A year into their marriage, Aideen's inability to produce an heir sealed her fate. The princess was destined for exile to the Temple, consigned to spend the remainder of her days in isolation and abandonment. Contrary to her anticipations, instead of the Temple, Aideen found herself within the cold walls of Duke Tillian Valentine's castle. Duke Valentine, the last scion of the once-revered Valentine family that ruled the Kingdom before the "Fratricide Rebellion", now presided over the desolate Northern lands. Faced with fear and confusion, Aideen expected her life to perpetuate its cycle of misery, only to discover that Duke Valentine might hold the key to a new opportunity, a chance at a life she had never envisioned. "You bewitched my body and soul. Put an intoxicating spell on me, shackled my heart to yours with your magic. If I could exchange my eyesight with you, I would do it just to make you see what a man dying from love looks like."
The Mage's Request
Tillian winced as he realized his body was once again succumbing to the persistent clutches of exhaustion. Gently stroking his wife's hands with his thumbs, he could not shake off the fear that his touch might cause her pain, despite the cuts on her fingers having already healed with Ahspid's magic.
An entire day had passed since the ritual's conclusion, and though Ahspid had assured the Duke of the princess's physical well-being, the extensive use of her innate powers had left her incredibly weak, necessitating ample rest to rouse her from the grip of slumber.
Throughout this time, Tillian had not left Aideen's side for even a moment, steadfastly remaining beside her, tenderly clasping her hands, and silently praying for her to awaken.
Having watched his mentor for some time, King Yuraon finally decided to approach and offer friendly advice.