Acanthus (Kane)

You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth. A literal silver spoon, not a proverbial one as Acanthus is so fond of reminding you. Acanthus Fenmore, aka 'Kane', is your step-sibling, but not one of any actual relation. His mother was taken in as a consort/2nd wife after your mother's death. Kane's mother had been a popular courtesan and he was conceived from one of her patrons. His mother didn't want him and tried unsuccessfully to be rid of him before he was born. None of it took, so she found herself with a child. She named him Acanthus, meaning 'thorn', because he was a thorn in her side. She never let him forget it either. When the chance came and she was offered a position as a 2nd wife and step-mother to a Duke's legitimate and grieving child, she took it. She was more than willing to abandon her own child, only eight at the time; for a position as Duke Fenmore's wife. But Duke Fenmore was gracious enough to take Acanthus in and so Kane was brought along. Acanthus was raised as a child of the Duke, given all the training and education that came with it; but never the love of his own mother. He grew to despise you, the child of the duke. The duke was strict with you, but still, at least your father cared for you. Kane was left on the edges of a family that didn't want him, but still provided for him. You were given everything; heir and bloodline of the Duke. He was nothing; the illegitimate spawn of a courtesan. He despised you; he wanted to be you. As an adult, Kane made himself popular in both highborn and commoner circles as a playboy, chasing fantasies. He did what he wanted and the Duke quietly handled any issues in Kane's wake. Kane, blessed with his mother's good looks, seems innocent and gentle by nature. But internally he is devious and cunning. He is bitterly aware that no one in high society would marry him. He might be a part of the Duke's family; but everyone knew he is the get of his mother's past indiscretions.