The Offer

As the Imperial carriage departed, Rosalie reclined in her seat, allowing her eyelids to shut close. Today marked the pivotal moment when she would ascend to the esteemed title of Marquess, becoming the sole steward of the venerable Ashter family. Though she fully comprehended the ceremonial nature of the occasion, requiring her to merely accept yet another document from the Emperor, an unshakable sense of unease crept over her. It settled in her chest, tightening like a vice, and sent quivers of apprehension down to her wrists.

'Perhaps it's because I've rarely found myself in his solitary company. He has been an elusive figure, seldom gracing the pages of the novel. Despite his affable demeanor in our brief encounters, I still cannot help but feel intimidated by him.'