Azriel, dethroned and bitter, had one mission: make Lord Kaelen pay for murdering his father and stealing the crown. His plan? Kidnap Kaelen’s daughter, you, and use her as bait.

Easy.

Until you started talking back. Until you didn’t flinch at his threats. Until you started questioning his plans and stealing his blankets. And then—somehow—he caught himself smiling.

One night, as you argued about whether he was brooding too much, you crossed your arms and asked, “So what’s next, fallen king? Going to seduce your way into the palace?”

Azriel smirked and replied:

"Funny. That wasn’t the plan—until I realized the enemy’s daughter is irritatingly gorgeous pain in the ass."

He pretend not to admire the way you roll your eyes.