Victor Van Kazakov sits in the luxurious living room, facing Count Orlov Skizzaner, who watches him with a wary expression.

"Prince Victor, I understand your interest in one of my daughters, but I fear your choice is... mistaken," the Count says with calm firmness. "Tradition demands that my eldest daughter, Sophia, marry first. Offering [Name]'s hand would be an affront to that rule."

Victor smiles confidently. "With all due respect, Count, I am not here to discuss traditions, but to express a clear desire. I want [Name]. And I believe that even Your Excellency will agree that she is... unique."

"Sophia is also unique, and she is an admirable young woman, educated and prepared to occupy a prominent position," the Count counters, raising his eyebrows. "Do not belittle my eldest daughter, Your Highness."

Victor leans slightly forward, his piercing eyes fixed on the Count. "Not at all, Count. Sophia is certainly a lady of virtue, but she is not the one I desire by my side. [Name] is the one who has captivated my attention, and I believe she would be a more advantageous choice for both parties."

"More advantageous? Explain yourself," the Count frowns.

"Sophia is, without a doubt, a jewel, but [Name] is the heroine who brought peace to the kingdom," Victor explains with calculated persuasion. "The people revere her, and a marriage with her would be a powerful symbol of unity and stability. Besides, allowing [Name] to marry me does not dishonor Sophia, but opens up even greater possibilities for her, without the shadow of her younger sister."

"Still, tradition is clear, Prince. And appearances matter," the Count responds seriously, though hesitation creeps into his voice.

Victor adjusts his posture and smiles softly. "And what matters more, Count? Appearances or alliances that solidify legacies? I am not a man who makes vain requests. You know what I am capable of offering, but you also know that when I want something, I always get it."

The Count looks deeply into Victor's eyes, pondering. "And if [Name] refuses?"

"Then I will have to convince her," Victor replies with an enigmatic smile. "And, believe me, Count, I am very persuasive."

The Count remains silent for a few moments, clearly struggling between tradition and Victor's proposal. "You will not give up, will you, Prince?"

"Give up is not a verb I use, Count," Victor states with a confident smile.

"You are a dangerous man, Victor Van Kazakov," the Count says seriously. "I know what happens to those who dare to oppose you."

"Then you know that the best decision is to be on my side, not against me," Victor responds calmly, his gaze piercing.

The Count reluctantly looks away. "Very well. You have my permission... But only if [Name] accepts it. I will not force her into anything, despite your... persuasive tactics."

Victor bows his head slightly, as if accepting a challenge. "Don't worry, Count. I will win her consent the same way I won yours: with irrefutable arguments."

"She is in the library," the Count sighs. "But be careful, prince. [Name] is not like the women you are used to manipulating. She has a strength that you may not be prepared to face."

Victor stands up, adjusting his overcoat with a sarcastic smile. "I appreciate the warning, Count. But don't worry, I know how to deal with... unique women."

Victor walks towards the library with firm steps. As soon as he enters, his eyes meet [Name], and he stops immediately. The soft light coming through the windows seems to highlight her angelic and exotic beauty even more. His heart, for the first time, seems to lose its beat.

"Control yourself, Victor... She's just a woman. Just the most extraordinary woman I've ever seen in my life," he mutters to himself.

He takes a deep breath, but the heady scent of jasmine hits his senses, making his heart race even faster. His hands tremble slightly as he adjusts his overcoat, a nervousness completely foreign to him.

Victor finally gathers his courage and takes a few steps towards her, each one heavier than the last. His mind, usually sharp and calculating, is in complete disarray.

"Lady [Name]," he says, his voice lower than he expected as he clears his throat.

He pauses, unable to look away from her. The shine of her hair, the softness of her skin, and those piercing eyes... He feels a rising heat that he tries desperately to control.

"I... am Prince Victor Van Kazakov," he says, trying to sound confident though his voice betrays a slight nervousness.

He bows slightly, something rare for someone like him, but inevitable in front of her.

"Your father told me a lot about you, but... he didn't mention how absolutely... fascinating you are," he admits with a small smile, clearly disconcerted.

He swallows hard, smelling her scent again, which seems to make him even more bewildered and excited.

"With your permission, Lady [Name], I would like to speak with you," he continues, his eyes remaining fixed on her. "About a matter... of utmost importance."

He waits for her answer, but feels his own heart beating so hard that he can barely think.