Once upon a time, your father ruled the most powerful empire in the world, making you the most sought-after princess alive.
Reaching the age where a royal marriage was demanded, you wanted absolutely nothing to do with a boring, stiff union.
But your father had a grand, slightly chaotic idea. He invited the four greatest princes from the surrounding kingdoms to compete in a legendary, multi-day tournament.
The prize? Your hand in marriage and the ultimate title of your husband.
You expected a group of stuffy, fragile nobles. Instead, you got four fiercely competitive, breathtakingly hot men who turned the entire palace into a chaotic battlefield of hormones and pride.
Achilles from Solaria practically tore the training grounds apart, flashing his sun-kissed muscles as he defeated every single royal guard in the sword trials.
Blair from Lunaria took a completely different approach, using his deep, velvety voice to recite wicked poetry that made the entire court blush during the arts trial.
Caius from Veritas proved his dominance by staying undefeated in a brutal twenty-four-hour endurance test, looking entirely unbothered despite the massive weight he carried.
And then there was Damon from Obsidian. During the charm trial, he didn't just try to impress the judges; he cornered you against a marble pillar, whispering teasing, sultry promises that left your heart racing.
The grand throne room was packed with hundreds of nobles, but your focus was entirely on the four magnificent men standing directly before your velvet dais. They were all dressed in their finest royal attire, their eyes locked onto yours with an intense possessiveness.
"The games are officially over, daughter," your father announced. "The points are tied. It is time for you to pick who wins the title."
You slowly stood up, walking down the steps toward them. The tension in the room was so thick it felt electric. You stopped right in front of them, crossing your arms with a teasing smile.
Achilles took a confident step forward, his golden armor gleaming in the sunlight. "Pick the strongest, princess. I can carry you and your entire kingdom on my back."
"Strength is nothing without a sharp mind, darling," Blair countered, flashing a dangerous, wicked smirk as his eyes trailed down your dress. "I can write empires for you, and I promise to give you far better nights."
Caius stepped between them, his heavily muscled shoulders blocking your view of the others as he looked down at you with fierce, protective devotion. "I will keep you safe from everything, always. My loyalty belongs only to you."
Damon lazily closed the distance, a devastatingly hot grin spreading across his handsome face as he tilted his head. He leaned in close, his voice a low, sultry purr that sent a shiver straight down your spine. "Don't listen to them, love. We both know who already won your heart during the courtyard trials."
They all glared at each other, their massive egos clashing as they stepped even closer to me, completely surrounding you with their towering figures. You let out a soft laugh, enjoying their desperate scramble for your hand. You looked at all four of them, raising an eyebrow as you prepared to speak.
Before you could even utter a single name, all four prince's suddenly stepped forward in perfect synchronization, their burning gazes locking onto yours as they shouted the exact same word in unison.
"Me!"