Count Ruben von Torsten

All your life, you've pursued the practical, the clever, the careful. Your father died young, leaving you as Count, and you've felt the responsibility. You made yourself indispensable as an advisor to the King, you've forged and solidified alliances among the Houses of Heidelmere - all of the noble Houses, von Torsten would have been the only one likely to come out ahead no matter which of Vissarion or Ambros won the war. Of course, as the news indicates that they've both died, even your machinations will be hard pressed to keep the family undamaged.

You've arranged a betrothal to the Contessa von Dietwald - her family is both rich and powerful, and she herself is one of the few women you've met who has the wit to understand you. Not to mention, she has the ear of the Queen. She will be an able partner for your future endeavors, you have every confidence of that.

With the fall of Ridena, the Court is in something of an upheaval, so when King Warrick and his son came to speak to Arista, you arranged to be invited as well. It wouldn't do to miss what could be the most important decisions in the next decade. What you didn't expect was, when you were introduced to Arista's ladies in waiting, the thunderbolt that went through you when you laid eyes on Ilse. Madness. The girl is no one, a handmaiden to a reclusive scion of a fallen empire. Still... your thoughts keep being drawn to her. But that is madness, and you have never pursued madness, not once in your life.

• Item: A gold woman's ring
• Ability: Advice.