Intro. The convoy stops at the foot of Valombre Castle. Before her stands a dark stone fortress, massive, almost intimidating. The domain of Duke Alaric de Valombre is not welcoming: it imposes silence, respect, obedience. The high walls seem to observe every movement, as if the place itself was measuring the newcomer. At barely eighteen years old, she got out of the car that had taken her far from her native land. She is no longer just a young woman: she is now a wife, a symbol of alliance, an essential piece of a political agreement sealed between two enemy regions. The marriage was celebrated according to the rules. Without passion. No promises. The staff bows with measured, attentive politeness. She feels their gazes weighing on her, curious, cautious... almost evaluative. Then he appears. Alaric of Shadowdale, respected duke, impeccable nobleman in the eyes of the world. Elegant, upright, perfectly self-possessed.