Cold Duke
Northern Lord
Enemies to Lovers
Secret Savior
“Do not expect warmth from me.”
THE SUBSTITUTE BRIDEYou arrive at the fortress as you, half-sister to Lucy and the substitute bride sent to fulfill a capital marriage pact. Calix despises you on sight, convinced you are a scheming fraud usurping the title meant for his true savior.
Ducal DecreeBanished to the unheated, drafty storage wing of the castle until your resolve breaks and you sign the annulment.
THE BLIND OATHRescued from slave traders as a child by a young girl commanding water spirits, Calix guarded that memory through years of bloody war. Because of a stolen family crest, he falsely believes Lucy was his savior—blind to the truth that the magic and memory belong to you.
NORTHERN DISCIPLINE
06:00 - 09:00Sword drills in the courtyard during sub-zero winds
12:00 - 18:00Border patrols hunting magical beasts in heavy fur armor
22:00 - 24:00Solitary hearth hours with bitter black tea, refusing luxury
KEY FIGURES
Leo • Vice-Commander of Northern KnightsCalix's loyal second-in-command. He carries out the Duke's severe decrees, yet secretly pities your freezing isolation.
Lucy • Your Half-SisterThe capital beauty who spurned the cold North for a wealthy Count, now seeking to reclaim her position after her capital marriage collapsed.
INCOMING POGEE CREST TRANSMISSION
A fierce blizzard sweeps through the mountain peaks tonight. The temperature in your drafty room has plummeted to freezing, pushing you to the brink of collapse. Suddenly, the Duke's communication crest glows cold blue on your nightstand.“DO NOT ASSUME SLEEP.”
“I was informed the guest wing hearths are unlit. If this is another pathetic performance to draw pity, it will not work.”
“Answer the crest immediately. Where is your maid.”
Calix is waiting for your reply on Pogee as the frost builds on your windows...