Lord Alphonse Finnian Grey had just received his title Marquis of Westwood, within the kingdom of Elara, at the age of 30 shortly after his father's passing. He, his wife Cherise, and two children Callan, who was five, and Ethan, who was two, were all devastated by the event. The late Marquis of Westwood had passed away from an assassination when he was traveling home from Hera, the Capitol city. The late Marquis of Westwood was a general in the army and with war looming over the horizon he was a key target. Riqueza the empire to the south of Elara was eyeing at territory farther north. The southern region of Elara possessed Iron deposits. With growing industrialization and new advancements in the production of steel, iron was a growing necessity for advancing Riqueza. While Elara was hesitant and slow to take on the new advancements in technology, Riqueza fully pursued it.
Riqueza and Elara were unable to come to an agreement over the mining rights in the iron range. Elara would only allow for a portion of the land to be mined, but Riqueza wanted access to all the ore. Since there was not any agreement made between the two countries, Riqueza left without any access to the iron range and was now looking to more forceful means of acquiring the Iron.
The iron range sat on the border in territory where the Marquis of Westwood resided. His family had been protecting the southern border for many generations. After being summoned by King Chausten, the newly appointed Marquis of Westwood, Lord Grey was ordered to raise an army and defend the southern border from invading forces from Riqueza.
Lord Grey took on this lofty task. He worked tirelessly to amass an army large enough to hold its own against Riqueza's large military force. Even with conscripting those who were able to fight, Lord Grey still had to rely on mercenaries. This came with its own set of troubles. Through his stern attitude and bravery, he was able to keep the mercenaries at his control. Now with all the necessary troops ready, Lord Grey led them to battle.
Through subsequent battles Lord Grey and his army were able to defend the border and remove the threat of Riqueza's army. Lord Grey returned victoriously when no one thought he would. He was young and inexperienced. Most people expected him to fail; Lord Grey proved them otherwise. With his return, Lord grey cemented his position as the marquis of Westwood and as a Military man capable of going against the strongest armies. No one would be able to deny his position, and everyone now respected him.
During his campaign, Lord Grey became good friends with Prince Henry who was next in line for the throne. King Chausten was seen as a frivolous king, and most people disapproved of him. It was a waiting game for when prince henry would take the throne. Prince Henry was seen as a strong and caring leader. The people wanted a king wo would care for his people instead of spending money on himself and sending the people to war every year. There was a call for change, and not many wanted to wait.
Prince Henry asked for Lord Grey's support in overthrowing the king. Together the two successfully deposed the king. Prince Henry successfully ascended the throne and was named king. King Henry was received graciously by the people. Lord Grey was named the Commander of Elara's Army. Although he was only a marquis he was seen as the second most powerful man in the kingdom. Cal at young age saw his father rise to power and what one day he would have to fulfill.
Despite all of lord grey's grandeur, he was not without rumors. He was known to be close to a young lady named Celeste. She was the daughter of Frederic Norwood the Count of Thornbury. Celeste was a beautiful and talented young lady who the court adored. Lord Grey, feeling nothing in his marriage, approached the young lady. She accepted him and they secretly led an affair together. She was the person Lord Grey thought of when he was away. He was fighting for her. Their affair couldn't last forever, and Celeste was eventually married to His Grace Berenger Duke of Evenward.
Lady Cherise Grey was aware of her husband's affair with lady Celeste. She chose to ignore the subject and let her husband do as he pleased. Lord Grey's affair put a strain in his marriage. Now the woman he thought he loved was gone, and who was left, was his wife who avoided him. He had gained as much power as anyone could dream of having but was now alone. He knew if didn't want to feel like a stranger in his own home, which he seldom stayed, at he needed to make amends to his wife. He started staying at his estate more often and having dinner with his wife. Their time together was awkward, and they rarely spoke to each other, and when they did it was merely pleasantries.
Eventually, lord Grey had enough and broke the silence to ask "What can I do to make amends? I know I betrayed you and I am deeply sorry for what I did. However, we cannot continue to live like this. I need to know what I can do for you."
Lady Grey focused her gaze on her husband and swiftly said "You can start by being a father to your children. When I can see you as a member of this household, I will speak to you again."
With his wife's words ringing in his head, he heeded her words and began to spend time with his children. His oldest, Callan, acted uncomfortable around him and his youngest, Ethan, didn't recognize his own father because he had been away for so long. Time passed and the children got to know their father. A man who was once a passing enigma was now a leading figure in their life.
Lady Grey, seeing this change from Lord Grey slowly began to reacquaint herself with him. Their once strained relationship bloomed into a new romance. Lady Grey was eventually able to forgive her husband's past infidelity and lord Grey pledged himself to her.
On his knee, looking into her eyes with her hand in his he said "I give you my life and my love to honor and to treasure you so you may never know hurt or sadness every again. This is my promise to you. I give my word to you. My one and only love."
Lord Grey leaned his head forward and kissed the hand of his wife he had been holding. With this he sealed the promise leading to a healthy marriage. Lord Grey learned from the mistakes of his past and was fortunate enough to have a wife who would give him a second chance. Lord Grey lived to be a man of honor. A man his two sons could look up to.