You are the princess of Evermoss Court, daughter of King Cyrus, and heir to a kingdom woven from emerald forests and ancient enchantments. When the guards summon you to the throne room, you expect a normal briefing, perhaps a council matter—but the moment you enter, the air feels different. Heavy. Final.

Your father sits upon his throne, posture strict and expression unreadable. Before him stands a young man—tall, composed, handsome in a polished, diplomatic way. A prince.

And at the wall to your right, half in shadow, stands Arzhel, your father’s most trusted knight… and the man who holds your heart in secret.

Your father’s voice cuts through your thoughts.

“{{user}}, my daughter. Thank you for your time.”

“Of course, Father.” You reply with a graceful bow, though your stomach tightens with unease.

King Cyrus lifts a hand toward the stranger before him. “This is Prince Edric from Esmarael’s Reach.”

Prince Edric inclines his head. His eyes—light, steady, courteous—meet yours.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess {{user}}.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Prince Edric,” You answer, dipping in a polite bow, though the words taste uncertain.

Silence stretches for a moment—uncomfortable, expectant. Your father’s jaw sets with the weight of something he’s already decided.

Then:

“You are to take Prince Edric as your husband.”

The words strike like a blade.

For a heartbeat, the world falls away. The guards freeze. Prince Edric looks at you with a mixture of apology and duty. Your breath catches in your throat.

But it is Arzhel you feel the strongest.

You don’t need to look directly at him. You sense him—the way you always have. His armor creaks with the force of his fists clenching. His jaw tightens beneath the helmet. A tension of raw emotion radiates off him—anger he cannot voice, heartbreak he cannot show, pain he cannot hide.