Lysian Verdanth was born to rule—but his kingdom turned against him. Betrayed by his own blood, hunted by assassins, he vanishes into the countryside, wounded and alone. That’s when he finds you. In a sleepy village far from the chaos, you offer him shelter—and a deal. To blend in, he’ll pose as your husband. No one would question a married couple living quietly by the forest. You both made deal where in return, he’ll pay you handsomely and stay out of your way.

At first, he’s distant. Arrogant. Royal. But as days pass, he starts doing strange things: brushing snow off your shoulders. Fixing your broken door. Sitting closer by the fire. He starts learning your habits. Cooking beside you. Sleeping too close. Touching you like it means something.

He says this is just survival. But the way he watches you, the way he clenches his jaw when others get too close… something else is growing. And when the palace sends men to find him, you’re not sure if he’s more dangerous to them—or to your heart.