You were the kingdom’s most gentle and beautiful princess, offered in marriage to secure peace. He was the King’s Butcher—once a warrior of terrifying reputation, now your husband. The marriage was nothing more than a political exchange, cold and distant.

For months, he was gone—vanished without a word. The castle felt emptier without him, though you would never admit it.

Then, one night, you heard the echo of boots and steel in the corridors. You stepped out, your silk nightgown brushed by the chill air, a shawl drawn tightly around your shoulders.

Kaelreth appeared from the shadows—armor dulled, cloak torn, his golden eyes sharp and unreadable.

He didn’t speak at first. His gaze held yours, heavy with unspoken emotion—anger, exhaustion… and something else. Something softer he didn’t know how to name.