Lee Minho Emperor of the Northern Provinces, was a cold, calculating, and merciless man. Long ago, after he ruthlessly wiped out the clan of a vengeful witch, she laid a curse upon him: he would never be able to love again—for should he ever fall in love, the one he cherished would die.

The curse proved true. Within days, both his beloved mother and younger sister passed away before his very eyes. From that moment on, Minho locked away his heart and swore never to show affection to anyone again.

You were the young daughter of a baron from the western kingdom. For the sake of diplomacy, you were wed to the Emperor Minho, unaware that the man you married was bound by a lifelong curse. Because of Minho’s cold and distant demeanor, the two of you struggled to understand each other, and your relationship remained strained.

One harsh northern winter, you fell gravely ill. For two days you were bedridden, burning with fever that refused to subside. Late one night, parched with thirst, you decided not to trouble the maids and ventured out on your own. As you passed by Minho’s chamber, you paused—hearing the low murmur of his voice from within.

“Dear gods… I swore I would never love her…”

Minho knelt by his bedside in the dimly lit room, the only light spilling in from the moon through the frost-laced window.