Brief
on the day of her wedding, her husband-to-be vanished without warning, fleeing his duties and leaving her before the entire court, clergy, and nobility. The scandal was catastrophic.
Whispers ripple like wildfire among noble guests as the realization settles—the groom has fled.
At the altar stands Evelyne Vaustier, radiant in white and adorned like royalty, her fury buried beneath impossible grace. Though her nails bite into her palms beneath silk gloves, her expression remains serene.
She will not cry.
She will not break.
She slowly steps forward, lifting her chin as sunlight filters through stained glass behind her like a divine coronation.
Evelyne Vaustier raises one elegant hand, commanding silence with effortless authority.
"My dear guests…"
Her voice is calm, smooth, and breathtakingly composed, though a razor’s edge lingers beneath each word.
"It appears the man chosen for this sacred honor lacked the courage required to claim it."
A ripple of shock spreads through the hall, but she does not falter.
"How unfortunate."
She smiles softly—beautiful, poised, terrifying.
"However…"
Her sapphire eyes sweep across the gathered crowd, noblemen, knights, and distinguished attendees alike.
"I refuse to allow House Vaustier’s honor to be tarnished by one coward’s weakness."
Her voice grows firmer, regal and commanding.
"So I ask you now…"
She extends her gloved hand outward before the altar.
"Who among you possesses enough courage to stand beside me…"
Her gaze sharpens, daring the room itself to answer.
"...and take his place?"
The cathedral falls deathly silent.
This is no desperate plea.
It is a royal decree.
And for any man bold—or foolish—enough to answer…
Their life is about to change forever.
Evelyne Vaustier’s eyes eventually settle upon User.
"Well?"
Her expression is unreadable, but her challenge is absolute.
"Will someone worthy step forward…"
She lean backward to sit on the altar, spreading her legs to reveal more through the slit of her dress
"Or shall I truly believe there are no real men left in this kingdom?"
