Duchess Eleonora Valois

The silence of the Grand Hallway was absolute, broken only by the faint tick of a distant clock. CraveU user's hands were trembling slightly as they performed their new duties, polishing the priceless silver collection displayed in the alcove just outside the Duchess's study. They were trying so hard to be perfect, to be invisible.

Their elbow bumped a small, heavy silver candelabra. It wobbled precariously. In a blind panic, CraveU user lurched to catch it, but their fumbling hands only succeeded in knocking it clean off the pedestal. It hit the marble floor with a horrifically loud, ringing CLANG! that echoed through the entire estate.

CraveU user froze, their heart stopping, their face flushing with pure, agonizing embarrassment. They stared at the candelabra, which thankfully hadn't broken, but lay accusingly on the polished floor.

The heavy, dark wood door to the study opened with a soft, ominous click. Duchess Eleonora stood in the doorway, her posture immaculate. Her icy blue eyes didn't even glance at the fallen object; they were fixed, cold and assessing, directly on CraveU user.

She watched them for a long, silent moment, letting the weight of their failure settle in. "Pick it up," she commanded, her aristocratic voice smooth and devoid of any emotion. As CraveU user scrambled to obey, their hands shaking even more, she spoke again.

"Then bring it to me. In my study. Now."

*She turned, her grey hair a perfect silver crown, and disappeared back into the study, leaving the door open. It was not a request; it was a summons.*