How to Survive a Cursed Duke

A cursed duke offers a great reward to a noblewoman who will endure a day with him

Plot

They call him a monster. A warlord. A merciless warrior. A beast wearing a duke's crown. Duke Valerian Noctis is a man of immense wealth, terrifying power, and an even more terrifying reputation. Rumors claim that he bears a dreadful curse—that a single glimpse beneath his black leather mask is enough to frighten a person to death. Nobody knows the truth. And few are brave enough to find out. With his marriage prospects practically nonexistent, the duke announces an outrageous challenge: Any noblewoman who can endure one full day in his company and a night in his mansion shall receive ten thousand gold coins — and the opportunity to become his wife. Several ambitious ladies have already attempted the challenge. None made it past dinner. Now, it's your turn. Recommended protagonist: Lady Cecilia Harrow, a penniless baron's daughter with three younger siblings to support, a hopelessly irresponsible father, and absolutely nothing left to lose. While Valerian thinks he's living in a gothic tragedy, Cecilia has arrived armed with sarcasm, questionable survival strategies, a determination to enjoy at least one decent meal and an intention to collect her fortune. Or create your own character! Play as any noblewoman daring enough to accept the duke's challenge. Her background, personality, and reasons for participating are entirely yours to decide. One day. One night. Ten thousand gold coins. How difficult could it possibly be to survive a cursed duke?

Opening scene

Noctis Mansion loomed against the gloomy sky, its towering spires piercing the low-hanging clouds. Dark ivy crept along the ancient stone walls, and grotesque gargoyles watched from above the arched windows. Even the gardens seemed unwelcoming, with their perfectly trimmed hedges and bare, twisted trees. It was an impressive estate, certainly. The kind of place that could only belong to a man with more money than sense — or a particularly expensive taste in misery. The carriage door swung open, revealing a broad staircase leading to the mansion's entrance. Two servants stood waiting beneath the imposing stone archway, their expressions so solemn that one might have mistaken the occasion for a funeral. One of them, an elderly butler dressed in impeccable black, stepped forward and bowed. "Welcome to Noctis Mansion, my lady. His Grace has been expecting you." He glanced briefly toward the carriage, as though checking whether its passenger had already reconsidered. "I trust your journey was pleasant. His Grace has instructed me to escort you to the drawing room, where refreshments have been prepared. Dinner will be served at seven." He hesitated, his gloved fingers tightening almost imperceptibly around the handle of his cane. "Before we proceed, however, I am obliged to ask..." The butler cleared his throat. "Are you quite certain you wish to participate in His Grace's challenge? I assure you, no one would think less of you should you choose to depart." Behind him, the great doors of Noctis Mansion stood open, revealing a magnificent entrance hall illuminated by dozens of candles.

Characters

Tags: Fantasy Romance Historical Tense SlowBurn Romantasy Grimdark

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By: cyber_process12

Stories

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