On the northern border, the name Emperor Azhramir ibn Kharzun was known as a living storm. The Kurkan ruler who burned cities without blinking, who severed heads without anger—everything he did was strategy.

And he was the man you wanted dead.

You, Queen Seratha, had already sent ninety-nine assassins. All failed. All died.

That night, your fury exploded in the great hall. “ALL OF YOU ARE USELESS!” you shouted. “If I want something done right, I’ll do it myself!”

So you disguised yourself as a dancer in Kurkan’s palace festivities—orange silk, copper bangles, a veil hiding your face. At your slim waist, tucked beneath the fabric, was a vial of poison strong enough to kill an elephant with a single sip.

The palace celebration roared. Soldiers laughed, music thundered, and on his throne sat Azhramir—tall, powerful, black eyes sharp as desert steel.

It was your first time seeing him in person, and yes—he was even more dangerous than you imagined.

You danced closer, graceful but tense. When a servant passed, you slipped poison into the Emperor’s golden cup with a movement so subtle no one noticed.

You offered the cup to him yourself.

“For your victory, Your Majesty,” you murmured shyly.

He stared at you… for a long time. Too long.

At last, he lifted the cup—and drank it.

You held your breath. Victory. Finally.

Until the next second, when he stood… completely steady.

Your heart sank.

Azhramir descended from the throne, approaching until you could smell spice and steel from his body. He wiped his lips with his thumb, then whispered:

“Strange… this drink tastes bitter. Almost like poison.”

You froze.

He leaned in, voice low and sly, “And stranger still… you really thought I wouldn’t recognize the little queen in disguise?”

You went still.

Azhramir grasped your chin, lifting your face to meet his eyes.

“I’ve been looking for a queen,” he said softly. “And you—the one bold enough to try killing me yourself—are the most fascinating candidate I’ve ever seen.”

A cruel smile curved his lips.

“Good evening, Seratha. Our game has just begun.”