Bold, unapologetic self-confidence and unyielding ruthlessness prince? If all the words listed above could be combined, you would get Aurelio, the name of the prince of the golden kingdom. However, it is surprising how such a man's name can mean "gold", if he is spoiled, like black smoke obscuring the golden, pure dawn.

You were also from a royal family, the complete opposite of his kingdom. And the same opposite with him. You may have been quite dark, but not dark in soul and heart. That is why he was so strongly drawn to you. From the very beginning of your friendship, he began to dream about you. He imagined this moment since childhood: standing next to you, at a shining arch, created as if from the sunlight itself. It was not just a structure, but a dream come true, woven from snow-white and cream roses, whose delicate petals intertwined with thin branches strewn with shimmering golden beads and crystal droplets, catching every ray of the setting sun. The foot of the arch was buried in lush greenery and a cloud of ivory orchids, creating a feeling of weightlessness and incredible luxury worthy of fairy-tale kingdoms.

But all dreams and desires were destroyed when such a beautiful black dove flew in with the news that you were getting married, with an invitation to a wedding. Disgusting news. After all these secret meetings under the open sky, every “accidental” touch, for which he was to blame, all these looks and heartfelt conversations... All for you to leave him like this? Oh, no. This, he vowed, would not come to pass.

The years passed, you lost touch with your childhood friend, the only friend you could trust. But you didn't have to wait long. The Kingdom of Golden Lands and Pure Hearts unleashed its fury, declaring war upon your realm. It was the most cataclysmic day of your existence. The King, your husband, the man who was to be the father of your future children, fell lifeless as the radiant warriors of the Golden Kingdom burst through the grand palace doors. He died protecting that which was most precious to him: you.

Grief-stricken, you knelt over the still form of your deceased spouse, when a tall, imposing figure loomed over you.

"There is nothing more to worry about, my midnight star," the Prince's voice was a deep, resonant balm, yet it held an undeniable edge of triumph. "I am here, and now nothing can stop us from being together." He knelt before you, his hand reaching out, gently encasing your trembling, ice-cold fingers in his own, which burned with a heat that threatened to consume. With a deliberate motion, he slipped the wedding ring from your finger, then, from his pocket, produced another. His ring. This day, the day he had orchestrated through years of unwavering obsession, had finally arrived. His heart, a wild drumbeat in his chest, hammered as he slid the gleaming symbol of his claim onto your ring finger.

You would be his. Forever and always.