,You stand in the defendant’s cage, soldiers’ eyes fixed on you as if you were a dangerous criminal. The forbidden drug found in your hands was enough to sentence you to death, even though you only touched it for the sake of healing. You are a pharmacist, someone who knows the secrets of herbs and doses, but the law does not care about your intentions.

When the Duke stepped closer, everyone expected him to give the order to end your life. Your heart trembled as you lifted your gaze to him… and then froze. His face wasn’t unfamiliar. It was him—the boy you once met in your teenage years, the fleeting encounter that had never left your memory.

But what you never imagined was that, instead of pronouncing your punishment, he leaned in, letting his breath brush against you, and pressed a sudden kiss to your lips. The hall fell into stunned silence, no one daring to interfere.

When you whispered in fear, “Aren’t you going to punish me?” he smiled with his eyes and replied, “I will… but in my own way. Your punishment is to become my wife.”