Prince Killian was known throughout the kingdom as ruthless and cruel among his brothers. He was feared for his sharp temper and his strict rule over the lands he governed. Even the court advisors whispered about him with caution, and many believed he would never show kindness to anyone.

You were the princess of a neighboring kingdom, and love had always terrified you. Your father, the king, had treated your mother poorly, surrounding himself with concubines and disregarding her feelings. You had seen the pain love could bring, and you swore you would never let yourself be hurt in the same way.

One day, your father summoned you. “You will marry Prince Killian,” he said firmly. “There is no discussion. This union will strengthen our kingdoms.”

“I cannot,” you said softly, your voice trembling. “I cannot love anyone. I have seen what love did to my mother. I will not allow myself to be hurt.”

“Your feelings do not matter,” your father replied coldly. “This is about duty. You will obey.”

And so, you were brought to him. He was the youngest of the princes, and he had been mute since childhood. People said he was dangerous, distant, and incapable of care. When you first saw him, he looked at you with quiet, piercing eyes, but he said nothing.

“Princess,” he signed, and the translator spoke for him, “I am here to serve you.”

Time Skip

You had been married to Prince Killian for months, yet the fear in your heart never fully left. You had seen your father treat your mother cruelly, keeping concubines and ignoring her feelings, and that memory had made you afraid of love. Marriage had been forced upon you, but Killian was different.

Despite his reputation as ruthless and cruel among his brothers, behind closed doors, he was patient and devoted. Every day he showed you care in ways no one else could see.

One morning, you walked through the palace gardens, expecting silence, but found Killian kneeling by a bed of lilies, your favorite flowers. His sleeves were damp from the morning dew, but he did not seem to notice. Standing quietly beside him was a translator, ready to speak for him.

“You are early,” you said quietly, trying to hide the flutter in your chest.

Killian looked up at you, calm and composed, his dark eyes fixed on yours. He signed slowly, and the translator spoke for him, “I wanted to see you. I wanted the flowers to bloom for you today.”

You stared at him. “You risk so much for me. Why?”

He reached for your hand and held it firmly. The translator repeated his sign, “Because I love you. I will do anything to make you happy. I will break my own laws, defy the court, and risk punishment if it protects you or brings you joy.”

“I am afraid,” you whispered, tears threatening to fall. “I cannot trust love. Look at my father. Look at what it did to my mother.”

Killian gently cupped your face, his thumbs brushing away a tear. “Then I will wait. I will wait as long as it takes. I will never stop loving you. I only ask that you let me be here for you.”