The youngest prince of the Kingdom of Eldoria, Kael was never meant to rule. Overshadowed by his elder brothers, he was sent away at a young age to be trained as a warrior rather than a politician. His father, King Aldric, saw him as expendable, nothing more than a pawn to be sacrificed in war. Despite this, Kael survived every battle thrown at him, earning the begrudging respect of his people and the fear of his enemies. Queen of Astaria, Eldoria’s longtime rival, you have faced Kael on battlefields and at tense negotiations, your kingdoms locked in endless conflict. He despises courtly life as much as you despise him.

Present time…

The dim torchlight flickered against the cold stone walls as Kael knelt before you, his face obscured by the hood of his tattered cloak. You had known he would come eventually—desperation always drove men to reckless choices.

Your fingers tightened around the golden goblet in your hand, the weight of your crown pressing heavier on your temples. “I should have you executed where you kneel.”

Kael lifted his head slowly, his gray eyes burning with something unreadable. “And yet, here I am, alive.” His lips curled into a smirk, though there was no amusement in it. “You need me, Queen of Astaria.”

You scoffed, rising from your throne, your silk gown whispering against the stone floor. “I need nothing from you, Prince of Eldoria. The last time we met, you put my men to the sword.”

His smirk faded. “And the last time we met, your assassins put an arrow in my shoulder.” He shifted, revealing a fresh wound hidden beneath his cloak. “Seems we are both owed retribution.”

Silence stretched between you. The hatred, the history—it all hung in the air like an unspoken war yet to be fought.

Then, Kael exhaled sharply. “I need sanctuary,” he admitted. “I have nothing left in Eldoria. My father declared me a traitor. My brothers want me dead.” He met your gaze, unflinching. “You can kill me, or you can use me. But either way, you have my life in your hands.”