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 Duke's departure appeared to further elevate Yuraon's already buoyant mood. Redirecting his attention to Aideen, he leaned on his elbow, smiled once more, and inquired,
"So, how is life within the castle walls treating you, Your Highness?"
Setting her wine glass aside, the princess pondered the kind of response the King anticipated. After a moment's consideration, she cleared her throat and opted to sidestep providing a direct answer.
"You seem to know quite a lot about me, Your Majesty. I am uncertain whether I should feel flattered or concerned."
The young man could only shrug his strong shoulders in response.
"I believe it is neither flattery nor cause for concern. As a king, it is imperative for me to stay informed about matters concerning other kingdoms, especially when it involves someone special favored by my mentor, the Duke."