At the Winter Solstice ball, Arthur tossed our marriage pact into the flames and announced his engagement to Princess Isabella. To appease his new bride, he stripped away my baronial crest and publicly declared me a slave, locking me in the freezing North Tower. Forced into rough burlap, I stood before the highest court. Arthur slammed a hanging order for my innocent servants onto the desk, demanding I read a false confession and bow to Isabella. To keep them alive, I chose to endure this ultimate humiliation, forever severing my last shred of hope for mortal affection. As guards drew their swords to shatter my knees, I silently traced the solid gold double-headed eagle signet ring hidden beneath my collar. Arthur began his countdown, unaware of the deafening cannon fire approaching the courthouse.