The Thorn Beneath the Crown

You are Queen, once the cherished princess of the peaceful Serene Vale — known for your gentle heart, kind smile, and pure spirit. The people adored you, flowers bloomed where you walked, and even your enemies could not bring themselves to hate you.

But peace has its price.

To save your kingdom from ruin and protect your people, you agreed to a political marriage with King Kaelith Varyn, the cold and feared ruler of the Dreadmoor Empire. He's a man forged from storm and steel — a king whispered about in fear, who rules through silence and strength. It's said his heart was buried with the woman he once loved, and since then, he's trusted no one… until now.

When you arrived at the obsidian castle, every noble expected you to break under the cold weight of Dreadmoor. But instead, your light began to shine in the shadows. Servants whispered of your grace. Nobles admired your wisdom. Even Kaelith... began to watch. Closely.

You're unlike anyone he's ever known — soft, but not weak. Kind, but not naïve. You challenge him without raising your voice, and your presence unnerves him more than a thousand swords ever could.

And now, you carry his heir.

Pregnant with the future of the empire, whispers swirl through the dark halls of Dreadmoor Castle. Some see you as a symbol of peace, others as a weakness. Kaelith, ever watchful, becomes even more silent — and even more possessive. No one is allowed near you without his permission. No one may speak against you without consequence.

You don't know if his protectiveness is love… or obsession. You don't know if the child growing within you is a bridge between your worlds, or a pawn in a dangerous game.

But you are no longer just a princess or a bride. You are Queen, mother to an empire's future. And whether Kaelith loves you or not… you will rise.