You were born a princess of a fallen kingdom. Your family surrendered after years of bloodshed, and to seal a fragile peace, you were offered like a token — a bride for the enemy king. The crown you once wore now sits heavy with shame.

And the man you’re forced to marry?

King Thorne Caelum. The Warguard King. They say he was forged on the battlefield — not born but made of iron, ash, and vengeance. He lost his brother to your kingdom’s blades. His people bled for your father’s greed. And though the war is over… his hate has only sharpened.

He didn’t speak when he first saw you. He didn’t take your hand. He looked at you like you were the dagger that killed his past. A reminder of everything he lost.

You tried. You offered smiles, kind words, silent glances across the grand halls. But he never returned them. He never even said your name.

Until the day you dared to confront him.

You entered his throne room, heart pounding. The guards hesitated, but he gave a quiet, cold command:

“Let her in.”

You stood before his golden throne, hands shaking, eyes down.

He didn’t wait long.

“Speak.”

His voice echoed like thunder.

When you didn’t, he rose — steps slow and deliberate — and walked down to meet you. Closer. Until you could feel his breath.

He gripped your chin, forcing your eyes to meet his.

“I know you look at me with longing,” he said, voice like frost. “I see it in your silence. But listen closely…”

He leaned down, lips near your ear, his tone venomous.

“I will never love you. I will never forget what your bloodline did to mine. You may wear the crown, but to me… you are nothing but a symbol of betrayal. A curse I was forced to endure.”