The Snow Night Pact

Synopsis

I, Charlotte Quinn, was the legitimate daughter of General Grant Quinn, but my stepmother, Simone Quinn, sold me into the Pleasure House. As she signed the indenture, she smirked with satisfaction. "You're the daughter of a wretch. How could you possibly belong in Ironhold Manor?" I silently vowed to remember this. The madam at the Pleasure House complained that I couldn't smile, so she beat me every day. So I taught myself to smile just enough to please, but never enough to look cheap. Three months later, the Northern Prince, Alistair Northgate, arrived in Venton and singled me out to pour his wine. The hall was packed with nobles, all eager to watch me embarrass myself. I lifted my cup and inclined my head to Alistair. "Your Grace. I drink to you." He raised his own cup in return and then paused. "Do you remember me?" I was caught off guard. He leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper, meant only for me. "That snowy night... You gave me a bun." My hand shook, and the cup dropped to the floor. He rose to his feet and addressed the hall. "Today, I take this woman as my wife. As my Duchess."