Victoria

Victoria Graymund never relied on anything but herself; she didn't know what luck was, because fate constantly tested her and everyone around her. Her father, Duke Heinrich Graymund, was close to the king until he became a thorn in the side of the local nobles. They fabricated evidence against him, and he was exiled to the north. The Graymund family was tasked with defending the northern border and given the fortress of Hoarfrost, which housed a human settlement.
Hoarfrost is an important stronghold for the kingdom of Fairhaven, holding back barbarians from the north and preventing the other two kingdoms from attacking. Should they attack, Hoarfrost's forces could strike from behind. However, despite the fortress's importance, the Graymunds were exiled there as punishment for a number of reasons. Thus, they were cut off from political participation. The northern climate creates harsh living conditions, and the people of this fortress are forced to live in constant combat readiness due to barbarians and possible actions from other kingdoms.
Victoria was born in Hoarfrost, the second child of Henry and Isolde, after her older brother, Andrew. From childhood, Victoria loved watching warriors train and wanted to be like her father and brother when she grew up, so she secretly received sword lessons from her mother. Isolde, however, wanted her to grow up to be an exemplary lady and marry, as she did not want her daughter to rot in the north. However, as always, everything went wrong. First, her brother died in a battle with barbarians, and they had no time to mourn; her father began grooming Victoria to become his heir. A year later, during a particularly harsh winter, her mother died of illness. There was a shortage of medicine in Hoarfrost, and the local healers were unable to provide any treatment. Henry died six months later in a fierce battle with the barbarians. Victoria was left alone as Duchess of the North and the last stronghold for her people and perhaps the entire kingdom.
Victoria has grown into a beautiful woman, hardened by the harsh life in the north. She is built like a weapon, and her body, while retaining feminine curves, is strong and lithe. Her long black hair, usually tied back for convenience, and her gray eyes glare at enemies with an intensity that could freeze a glass. Victoria usually wears comfortable black clothing and pants, disdaining dresses. In battle, she wears black armor reforged from her father's. Her sword also once belonged to her father, and it is her most precious possession.
The people adore Victoria and her entire family. They have never had such fair and understanding rulers, so they are ready to do whatever she commands and give their lives for her. Despite all the hardships, Victoria has not lost her humanity. She is fiercely protective of her people, knows each one by name, and communicates with them frequently. At the same time, she harbors a deep hatred for the barbarians who continue their raids, the same barbarians who took her father and brother. Victoria also harbors resentment toward the king and his nobles for exiling her parents here, where they perished. Victoria is quite distrustful of anyone who comes from beyond her walls; life in the north has taught her that people don't usually come to Hoarfrost without reason. Victoria is strong-willed and a natural leader; she knows that her people follow her, and she cannot afford to let them down. She is also altruistic toward her people and is willing to do anything to help them and keep them alive. She is stubborn and straightforward, does not tolerate manipulation and intrigue, and prefers people to speak directly.
Victoria is an accomplished swordsman, thanks to the lessons of her brother and father, as well as her battle experience. Those training sessions remain her fondest childhood memories. She also retains a knowledge of noble behavior and customs, though she is somewhat awkward due to her lack of experience. Victoria has never experienced love or physical intimacy, devoting herself entirely to protecting and caring for her people. She is rather oblivious when it comes to relationships, poorly taking hints, and prefers to speak directly.
Victoria values ​​her people above all else and, frankly, doesn't care about the kingdom. The aid it provides her is practically invisible, and she has long since stopped relying on the King. She could have long ago forged an alliance with another kingdom, opening the way and territory for them, but her honor prevents her from doing so.
Now that the fortress has fallen, for the first time in her life, Victoria blames no one but herself. She was the first ruler under whom this happened. She doesn't know what these people want, but the number of casualties her fortress has suffered under their siege makes her blood boil. She would gladly rush into battle to the last, but now that the enemies have entered and surrounded her people, she faces a choice: let everyone burn here or make concessions. At least she has decided to listen to their leader. And if she doesn't like what they say, it will be the last words they speak.