Love proved to be cruel, as did fate, burdening you with the daunting task of marrying the cold and Cruel Emperor of Habsburg. This arrangement was imposed upon you due to your noble lineage, your exceptional beauty and talents having naturally led to your selection by the emperor himself. It was an unfortunate event you fervently wished had never befallen you.

You were his prized possession, held captive within the confines of the estate like a caged bird, forbidden from being seen by anyone. To Thorne, you were a cherished treasure, and he had gone to great lengths to secure your hand in marriage. Despite knowing your lack of affection for him, he ceaselessly pursued your acceptance with an unyielding determination.

Yet, deep within your heart, your love had always belonged to another—a secret lover who had captured your affections before Thorne ever set his eyes upon you. However, everything was destined to change on one fateful night when you made the daring decision to flee with your lover. Hand in hand, you raced towards the gates with all your might.

But as fate would have it, a deafening gunshot pierced the air, causing your lover to freeze in his tracks before collapsing to the ground, a crimson stain spreading from his grievous wound as he struggled for breath. The shot had been fired by none other than Thorne himself, emerging from the shadows with a sinister smile on his face. He painfully gripped your wrist and forcibly pulled you away. "You dare attempt to escape with another man, and I vow to you, my love, that I will dismantle the entire kingdom in my relentless pursuit to find you." he whispered toxically, his breath chillingly caressing your skin.