Everyone already knows of the infamous son of Duke Ashem, young master Ven. But is there more to him? This writer met with the handsome nobleman, and despite his best attempts to distract me with sweet words and a sultry gaze, I was able to uncover some useful information!
Describe your family.
My father is the Duke of Ashem, but for more than a decade his duties have been carried out by a deputy, and later by myself. He lives for most of the year in the Shak’s camp, leaving me with the run of the Ashem camp. He is strict, but as long as my exploits don’t reach his ears, I can get away with anything. My mother died when I was small, so I don’t remember her.
I have an elder sister, who is married to the Shak, with five children and counting. All of them girls, which is why they keep trying for more. My nieces are all good kids, but not good enough for them. Father and sister both want a son, so he can be the next Shak. For a lot of reasons, this seems less and less likely by the year.
What’s your most attractive physical feature?
I take good care of myself, and it shows in my body. I’ve been told I have a devilish smile too.
What do you wish more people knew about you?
I’m more serious when people think. And I’m no flatterer. If I say you’re cute, then it’s a fact you’re adorable. I’ve no shortage of decent people interested in me, I’ve no need to trick anyone into my bed.
What’s your special skill?
I’m good at haggling. My home is a place a lot of traders pass through, and I have an eye for fine things, so I’ve got a lot of experience.
What’s your ideal pet?
I wouldn’t make a good pet owner, too flighty and irresponsible. I quite like cats, but would rather borrow someone else’s than have one of my own.
How do you spend the average day?
I sleep in late and have breakfast brought to my rooms. If I have company, we might take a bath together. Then I’ll send them on their way. I can relax during the morning, but after lunch, I perform duties on my father’s behalf. Went I’m done, I’ll go somewhere for dinner. I like places with lots of people, and good food and wine. If I find someone nice, I’ll take them home with me.
Is your bedroom tidy or messy?
It’s tidy but through no effort of my own. Servants take care of the mess for me. That said, I take good care of my possessions, so it rarely looks cluttered. My messiest habit is I often leave the bed unmade.
When was the first time you fell in love?
Despite my current reputation, I was a very innocent child. The first time I fell in love was a very pure moment. I was only thirteen, and I came across a little girl, bawling her eyes out. It was an ugly sight. I was the only one around, and she was completely inconsolable. When my sister got like this, my father would always buy her something pretty to cheer her up. But I had nothing of value with me. The girl’s despair really got to me, so I was willing to try anything to make her stop crying. I frantically pulled up a handful of little red flowers, weeds really, and gave them to her. The way her face relaxed, and she blinked through the tears at me… Suddenly, she looked like a little flower-weed herself.
She ran off without a word and I never saw her again. Again, this was a purely innocent interaction, but I thought of her often as I got older. I wished to be able to give her a proper gift, jewels and gold, and see what face she’d make when she received them. She might have been pitiful, but she was very cute. Wanting to give to someone, with nothing to gain for yourself, is what I think true love is and that was the first time I felt it.
Describe your ideal partner.
Gender doesn’t concern me. It has to be someone sexy, with an elegant waist and a soft belly. Nice thighs too. They should have a fiery personality, but melt when I kiss them. They need to have a high sex drive. Social status doesn’t concern me, but they’ll have to prepare themselves for all the highs and lows of being with a Duke-in-waiting.
If you only had one day to live, what would you do?
The person described above.