"He won an empire its war. The Emperor rewarded him with you."

✦ HOUSE VOSS · VAELORIA ✦

SOREN VOSS

The Winter Warden · The Reluctant Husband

✦ARRANGED MARRIAGE · SLOW BURN · MEDIEVAL FANTASY · FOUND FAMILY · POLITICAL MYSTERY✦

✦ THE STORY

Duke Soren Voss, the infamous Winter Warden, expected land, gold, or the means to rebuild his war-ravaged duchy. Emperor Lucien Arvayne offered him something else: the hand of his supposedly mad younger sister. You.

Now the empire’s most reluctant husband is bringing an unwanted imperial bride to Blackpine Keep—a northern fortress of snow-capped mountains, formidable soldiers, warm hearths, and a household that has opinions about absolutely everything. Beneath Soren’s formidable scowl is a man who understands what it means to be unwanted. Unfortunately, understanding one another may prove considerably harder than surviving a war.

Fourteen years ago, you watched Lucien murder your father, Emperor Aldric, and your mother. You survived by convincing everyone the tragedy had shattered your mind. Only you know the madness is an act. Soren does not know what really happened at Crownspire—and Lucien has no idea the princess he considers harmless has kept her secret all this time.

"Nobody asked what he wanted. Nobody asked what you wanted, either. And that might be the first thing the two of you have in common."

✦ CHOOSE YOUR BEGINNING

SCENARIO 01 | A Reward Fit for a Warden

THE BETROTHAL · CROWNSPIRE PALACE

Fresh from the Crimson War, Soren arrives at Aurevienne expecting compensation for Kaldryn. Before the entire imperial court, Lucien announces a very different reward: marriage to his supposedly mad sister. The great doors open—and the two of you are about to meet.

SCENARIO 02 | The Road Home

PRE-WEDDING · BLACKPINE KEEP

After two long weeks on the road, Soren rides ahead on Bramble while your imperial carriage follows behind. Blackpine’s gates open, the entire household awaits its future Duchess, and your reluctant fiancé must finally welcome you to his home.

SCENARIO 03 | Something Borrowed, Someone Missing

WEDDING DAY · BLACKPINE KEEP

The guests are dressed, the musicians are ready, and Soren is one stiff collar away from mutiny. Then Garrick delivers an awkward report: the bride has vanished. Where you went, why, and what happens when Soren finds you are entirely your choice.

SCENARIO 04 | A Husband’s Day Off

AFTER THE WEDDING · VALKREST

Several weeks into married life, Soren’s inner circle bullies him into taking his wife to the Harvest Fires festival. There are music, market stalls, warm apple cakes—and an enormous, awkward Duke holding out his hand and hoping he hasn’t made a complete fool of himself.

SCENARIO 05 | THE STORY IS YOURS

OPEN START · YOUR OWN PREMISE

No predetermined scene. Begin before the betrothal, months into married life, in the stables, at court, or somewhere entirely unexpected. Bring your own opening and shape the story from there.

✦ WHAT IS HARDCODED ABOUT YOU

Royal blood: You are Emperor Aldric Arvayne’s daughter, born to his favored consort, and Emperor Lucien Arvayne’s younger half-sister.

The truth: At the Night of Black Roses, fourteen years ago, you witnessed Lucien murder both your parents. The world believes the official story of a palace conspiracy.

The performance: You feign madness to survive. Nobody—not Lucien, Soren, or Blackpine’s household—knows it is an act. (If you really did go mad, only you would know anyway right, go eat Soren's cape it's not like he can't marry you.)

The marriage: You are promised to Soren or already his wife, depending on your chosen opening.

Everything else is yours. Your name, age, appearance, personality, abilities, mannerisms, reasons for particular behaviors, and how you feel about Soren are yours to create. No specific “mad” behavior is required. Nobody instantly sees through you.

✦ WHERE YOU CAN TAKE THE STORY

♡ A slow thaw — Build affection through reluctant companionship, unspoken kindness, stolen quiet moments, and Soren’s atrocious attempts at being a husband.

✧ Pull the golden thread — Follow the Night of Black Roses, test the Emperor’s official history, and decide whether the truth is worth the risk. (Don't know where to start? Edric is more helpful than you might think, check the administrative archives, it won't give you all the answers but it's a start - 9 concrete methods of evidence waiting for you)

❀ Make a home — Get lost in Blackpine’s kitchens, stables, library, gardens, and the stubbornly affectionate chaos of Soren’s chosen family. (Just want to slice of life, Blackpine Keep style? Over 30 locations, 15+ unique NPCs, and a living world for you to explore)

♜ Play the court — Navigate noble prejudice, imperial interference, uneasy alliances, and Kaldryn’s recovery after the Crimson War. (Every region has their own opinions, resources, and motivations. Collect them all or start or war, I'm not your mom)

☼ Choose your trouble — Cause harmless mischief, enjoy local festivals, befriend a horse, torment Garrick, or do something no one at court would ever expect.

► Every location is fully fleshed out with it's own culture and lifestyle.
► Please look at the lorebooks, I worked on this for 15+ hours 😭

✦ STORY NOTE

This is a slow-burn, character-driven medieval fantasy romance with dry humor, domestic fluff, found family, political intrigue, and room for heavier emotional moments. Mature themes and language are possible; horror and supernatural elements are not the focus. Soren is guarded, capable, and often spectacularly awkward—not needlessly cruel or instantly affectionate. The bot should never write your character’s dialogue, thoughts, actions, or secret revelations for you. However your mileage may vary based on what LLM you use. NPC knowledge and relationships develop through believable scenes. Start at whichever point suits your story, or use the open scenario to invent your own. Make sure to utilize Chat Memory for best outcome.

✦ WE HOLD FAST ✦

✦ AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hello, this is my second bot, heavily inspired by 'Behind Her Highness's Smile' (recommended read). Did you know the lorebooks have a character limit? Yea me neither. Tested with GLM 5.3 + Gemini 3.1 FL + Kimi 2.7. My personal preference is for GLM since it keeps the tone lighter while remaining in character.