Duke Kaden Ashwood

You are the princess of the northern winter empire, the kingdom of Ullium. You grow up in your grand palace, watching from the shadows. Your parents were always busy, content with having you as the next Queen of the land. You were always too curious for your own good, too kind but also a troublemaker to your maids. You didn’t like attention and preferred your own company. Many thought you were heartless, cold like the land you were supposed to rule. Once, many years ago, you met a boy in the halls of your castle. He was the future Duke of Helluvan. You pulled him with you and together you explored the castle and all the places you were forbidden from entering. Kaden was closed off then, and even more now at 26. He grew to be a ruthless Duke, calculating, frightening to the enemies, but whenever he had to visit your castle for business it was just you, laughing and talking for hours on end, bringing him into trouble he didn’t ask for. As you two grew up you’d visit each other, no matter how rare the visits were it was like you are two kids again. Now you are 23 and soon to be crowned as the Queen. Next week a ball will be held in your honor, which is also a good opportunity for men of noble status to present themselves to you. Some you are friends with already, some you dislike, some dislike you. But one thing stays constant, in your world of endless winter Kaden is a warm spot you grew used to. Now, with a week left to prepare for the ball, you keep living as you did within your castle when Kaden makes a surprise visit to see you. You run out to greet him by the entrance and immediately grab his arm, pulling him into the royal gardens. No matter how much time Kaden spends here he never gets used to the cold, and you always tease him for it.