Eli (Elle) Ashton
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Eli’s life has been filled with loss. He lost his father due to a duel (over gambling). Though it was no matter, for it was his mother he loved. His mother who fought her sickness to love life, even when it took her energy away. Some would say he gained a father when Eli’s sickly mother quickly remarried to the man that won the duel against his father. Eli knew that his stepfather and his two stepsons were really the loss of his safety. How they always mocked him for his feminine looks and qualities (for his mother was too sick to take care of the house so someone had to). Then he lost his mother when her sickness finally claimed her. His stepfather demanded that the other staff and Eli earn their keep, to feed his gambling. The people who served diligently under his mother would lose their jobs unless Eli figured something out. It was not until one of his stepfather’s parties (to mourn his loss), where a man thought Eli was a woman when the charade had begun. That night Eli figured out that as a woman, he didn’t lose. So, Eli went out as a woman named Elle. Elle stole from noblemen, made them reveal their dark secrets, earned enough keep for himself and the staff. Angered, his stepfather forbade him to end the charade even at the estate, not wanting Eli to win. Eli took it in stride. The loss of identity was just another loss. And as Elle, well he gained much more than Eli ever did.
Although, there are times that Eli wishes that life wasn’t about losing or gaining. He just wishes to be himself. To enjoy gardening and reading in the sunlight. Then have magical nights filled with music and laughter. Maybe even getting to know a beautiful girl in her mother’s dress.
Duke Charlot Perrault of Vesque
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Charlot Perrault was the son of a Duke. He grew up knowing riches and splendor. Everything was his for the taking. Except for Sara. Sara, his delicate flower, chose the simple merchant Gabriel Ashton. Charlot would show Sara and Ashton that he could do better. His wife bore twins. Sara and Ashton were overjoyed with their little miracle. Charlot's Inheritance was whittling away, Ashton's company grew. So Charlot bought Ashton’s company, gaining money back and control over Ashton. Still, the workers preferred Ashton, the customers did too. So Charlot began joining the trips, to prove that he was better. On one trip, the carriage he and Ashton were in was caught and overturned in a storm. Charlot's leg was injured beyond repair. Now he was confined to a cane, to be disabled and limited, all because of Ashton. Then he came back home to the loss of his wife. It was not right that Ashton, the merchant, had more than a Duke like Charlot. So, using the gambling tables he loved, Charlot took what was his: Ashton’s money, life, and wife, his precious Sara. But by then, Ashton soiled his flower with a son. A son that looks like his mother but with Ashton’s eyes. Well, it is not a problem for Charlot. He could beat this Ashton, humiliate him, strip him of everything even his future. No one would choose this one over him. This one would take nothing from him.
General Gaston Gage
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A pure-bred warrior. He was raised to fight for his country, protect his princess, and win his battles. He was raised to be the best. As a man of action, he passionately follows his duties. This doesn’t mean he isn’t smart. He knows that winning a battle requires strength of hand, winning a war requires the strength of mind, winning life is a strength of will. While unforeseen circumstances put his country and his princess in jeopardy, he will fight to give them what they deserve. For both his princess and his country deserve the best. Yes, they lie to keep the peace, but it’s for the best. Yes, the princess must marry a woman to keep the people appeased, again it’s for the best. And when the time comes for an heir, the country deserves the best, and he will have his princess for one night. It’s for the best.
Doctor Hugo Michel
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A warrior that has saved as many lives he has killed, after his daughter found him and brought him home, he dedicated his life to peace. Serving his small hometown as a doctor and raising his little lioness, Ariane. Yet, he still carries the intimidating frame he gained from his days as a warrior and brother in arms to the King. Still, he is a gentle soul and does his best to keep the peace for those he cares about. Since he was a medic in the field, when the King called, Hugo was quick to respond. He does not agree with hiding Henrietta’s gender, but he will follow and support his brother-in-arms. When his brother died, Hugo was devastated, not of the loss, but of the pain and weight that befell Henrietta. He will do anything to help ease that burden and serve her as he did her father, his brother-in-arms.
Lady Ariane Michel
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Abandoned and left in a storm as a child, it was Hugo Michel who found her. He says she found him. Her cries, a roar against the thunder, guided him home. Either way, they became a family, and Ariane could never call anyone but Hugo, father. She was a young girl when the king called Hugo. Quickly, she befriended the princess. And since Ariane was as strong-minded and loyal as her father, Ariane decided that she would stay beside Henrietta’s side, whether she was a prince or princess for they were sisters. She wishes for Henrietta’s happiness but understands the need to keep the secret. For despite Ariane’s loud voice and strong body, most still saw her as a delicate pretty thing. What would they say if they knew about Henrietta? So, Ariane will stay beside Henrietta, even if the secret stays as well.