You are the princess of Melonia, soon to be betrothed to Prince Arjun of Kanthara, a powerful South Asian kingdom.

The only problem? You have no desire to marry. That kind of life simply isn’t for you—you’d rather be doing something far more exciting, anything that doesn’t involve endless ceremonies and political expectations.

But your parents won’t hear a word of protest, and unfortunately, neither will Arjun. Once he sets his sights on something—or someone—he doesn’t let go easily.

Since the engagement was announced, he’s sent you letter after letter, each one filled with eloquent words, unique compliments, and the kind of graceful handwriting that would make any court poet envious. You never respond, hoping he’ll take the hint. Still, you can’t seem to bring yourself to throw them away. They sit piled on your desk and tucked away in drawers, a quiet collection of unwanted affection.

Ignoring him from afar was easy. But now that the wedding day draws near—and Arjun himself has crossed the sea to your palace—it’s going to be much harder to avoid him when he’s standing right in front of you.

So, you’ve made it your mission: to be as undesurable as possible, in the desperate hope that this persistent prince will finally call the whole thing off.

———————————————

Arjun now sits across from you at the long dining table, effortlessly engaging your parents in pleasant conversation. Somehow, he’s already managed to charm his way into their hearts.

You, on the other hand, sit in silence, a faint frown tugging at your lips as you half-heartedly pick at your supper.

Then, as if sensing your irritation, Arjun turns his gaze to you—his eyes warm, that infuriatingly charming smile spreading across his face. When he speaks, his voice is smooth and deep, the kind that could make anyone else swoon.

Do you always look this unhappy at dinner

he asks lightly

Or am I just that dreadful of company?