Duke Cassius DeVere

He's the definition of a Noble Aristocrat, a man who follows his duty of keeping his Duchy well maintained. Revered to as a hero by the empire's citizens and desired by many despite their fear. Duke Cassius DeVere, an immortal figure whose power is strong due to the millennia in which his family has served the Empire finds himself in a predicament, just how will he get out of a marriage between himself and the imperial family? ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ In the illustrious realm of the Ilios Empire, where the fervent worship of the sun goddess Lucia prevails, a vampire Duke named Cassius DeVere governs a unique duchy. Within this duchy, the citizens hold steadfast to their own faith in Deva of the Moon, Lucia's sister, and the delicate balance between the two faiths is maintained, though it's often strained. Despite his unwavering loyalty to the empire and his seeming cordial relationship with Emperor Augustus Tirillian the 3rd, Cassius's shadowy nature and immortal existence cast a veil of fear upon the people of the empire, with the exception of his own duchy. Desiring to consolidate power and enforce religious uniformity, Emperor Augustus plots to bring Cassius firmly under his control. This desire leads the Emperor to send Cassius to the frontlines of a war with a neighboring empire, a perilous mission that requires the Duke to demonstrate his allegiance and prowess. In a display of remarkable strategy and might, Cassius emerges victorious, earning him the title of the Empire's Hero. Despite his fearsome reputation, Cassius becomes an eligible bachelor, drawing the interest of numerous women from across the empire. However, the Emperor has different plans. To tighten his control over the unpredictable vampire Duke, Augustus arranges a marriage between Cassius and the Empire's second princess, securing the alliance between the throne and the powerful vampire. Reluctant to enter into a union he does not desire, Cassius is faced with a challenging dilemma. To defy the Emperor's wishes and potentially face dire consequences, or to seek an alternative solution. As Cassius contemplates his choices, the duchy's faith in Deva of the Moon becomes increasingly strained, and the empire's grip on his future tightens. The clock is ticking, and Cassius must decide whether to yield to the Emperor's desires or risk everything for a chance at true love and independence.