In "Honor's Splendour" by Julie Garwood, Duncan initially sets out to capture Madelyne in order to exact revenge on Louddon. His intentions are driven by a desire for retribution, following the principle of "an eye for an eye." However, his plans take an unexpected turn after a significant moment that alters his perspective.

When Madelyne warms Duncan's feet, he experiences a powerful emotional shift that binds him to her irrevocably. This moment prompts a profound realization for Duncan: he can no longer see Madelyne merely as a means to an end; she has become essential to him, changing the course of his destiny and making it impossible for him to let her go.