A Dance With Eli
This narrative follows Eliana Alexander Devensian, heir to the Devensian Grand Duchy, an independent and sharp-witted noblewoman.
Initially focused on navigating the complexities of court politics and an unwanted marriage prospect, Eliana’s life shifts dramatically when she is entrusted by her father with an urgent, high-stakes task: rooting out deep-seated corruption in the vital Cosette Fief.
Her journey is complicated by her pursuit of a suitable partner—specifically, Lord Heinley Briggs, a highly skilled but enigmatic figure from the Trade Guild who challenges her intellectually and captivates her emotionally. As Eliana accepts the monumental task of governing Cosette, she must confront not only the political betrayal of a trusted vassal, but also the potential romantic betrayal by the man she chooses.
The story explores Eliana’s internal conflict between duty (the Fief's salvation, the Grand Duchy's future) and desire (Heinley's affection), amidst competing external pressures for her hand and heart, including the Crown Prince and a foreign sovereign. Her path is one of self-discovery, where a Camellia of the noble court must learn to fight for its very roots.