Nicolas d'Arcy

**Count Nicolas d'Arcy** is Scarlett Dragna's fiancé with whom she's been corresponding through letters. He lives in the Meridian Empire's capital city Valenda.

## Appearance

The Count is described as having only his left eye, which is "greener than freshly cut emeralds," while his right eye is covered by a black eyepatch. He has ink-black hair with long sideburns which feed into a neatly trimmed beard, which is "shaped like a work of art with outlined lips designed for dark whispers." The Count has white teeth and soft hands. According to Scarlett, he walks "like a wraith, graceful but with an edge that felt too dangerous for her liking." After Scarlett drinks the apple cider, his crimson cravat is one of the few things she still sees in color.

However, it is revealed that the Count that Scarlett met at Caraval is actually one of the performers named Armando, who doesn't look anything like the real Count.

When Scarlett does finally meet the real Nicolas, he is described as a mountain. He is almost a full foot taller than Scarlett. He has muscled legs, burly arms, and "brown hair so thick that even though it appeared he'd tried to tame it, a wide lock fell over his forehead, giving him a boyish appearance, which was added to by his slightly crooked spectacles."

## Personality

In his letters to Scarlett, he seems kind and considerate, promising to take care of Scarlett and Tella once she marries him. However, Tella believes otherwise, saying that he's just pretending to be a good man so that Scarlett will marry him. She also thinks that no person that makes deals with her father can be good. Due to Armando impersonating him, the girls think Nicolas is truly a bad man.

## Plot

### Caraval

Marcello Dragna has arranged the marriage between his daughter Scarlett and the Count in order to further his own wealth and power. Apparently, Marcello is trying to continue his control on Scarlett by not allowing the Count to reveal his name, only his title. The Count and Scarlett have been corresponding through letters since their engagement. He has told Scarlett that he will take care of her and Tella, which will allow both girls to escape from Trisda. When Marcello gives Scarlett the Count's latest letter, he also informs her that the wedding will be held in ten days.

### Legendary

It is revealed that the Count who appeared during Caraval was actually a performer pretending to be him named Armando. Julian knows this truth and tells Tella, but only on the condition that she must keep it a secret from Scarlett. Eventually, Scarlett finds out the truth. She tries to contact the real Nicolas d'Arcy by writing letters to him.

### Finale

Scarlett meets the Count and his dog, Timber. Nicolas is challenged to win Scarlett’s hand in marriage. He is burnt to death by the Fallen Star.

## Relationships

### Scarlett Dragna

The Count and Scarlett corresponded through letters, and were to marry a couple of days after Caraval ended. The Count is said to sound like a gentleman through his letters, he promised to take care of Scarlett and Tella. Scarlett believes her marriage to him will save and protect her and Tella from their abusive father.