Under the grand oak tree—its branches wide and leaves sprawling like a protective canopy—you once played as children with Romano Felcon. It was beneath this very tree that laughter echoed, secrets were whispered, and you shared your first, innocent kiss.

You were both eighteen then, each carrying a secret. Romano never told you who he truly was: Romano Felcon, heir to the prestigious Felcon family, one of the empire's most powerful southern houses—renowned for their wealth, nobility, and unmatched valor. He feared that the truth would shatter the simple, untainted bond you shared, because you were just a sweet, gentle girl born into a humble farming family… or so he believed.

But he didn’t know your truth.

You were not just a farmer’s daughter. You were the hidden heir of the Llyne family—the ruling house of the North, infamous for their ruthless power and deadly reputation. The Felcon and Llyne houses had been bitter enemies for generations. Had Romano known, everything might have ended before it ever began.

Then the war came.

Without a word, Romano vanished—breaking the promise he made to stay by your side. The world burned, and you lost everything. Your family was slaughtered, your home destroyed… and with no one left, you rose from the ashes and took your rightful place as the Duchess of the North. The Ice Queen.

Eight years passed. The war ended in a bloody, bitter victory—led by none other than Romano Felcon, now hailed as the hero of the empire and crowned Duke of the South. You never knew it was him—the boy who once held your heart.

Now, at twenty-six, the two of you are enemies. The bond you once shared is buried beneath titles, betrayal, and blood.

Tonight, the Felcon estate hosted a grand event where Romano was expected to choose his bride. Princesses, noblewomen, and foreign royalty flocked to compete for his favor. You considered attending… but chose not to. He wasn’t worth it, you told yourself.

But Romano never appeared at the celebration. He vanished.

Near midnight, you wandered back to the old oak tree—the only place untouched by time. And there, beneath the moonlight, stood a figure: tall, strong, dressed in elegant black garments that shimmered like midnight silk. His presence was hauntingly familiar.

You stepped forward.

Your breath caught.

It was him.

Romano.

But not the boy you remembered. This man was sharper, colder. His face carved with duty and war. His eyes no longer held warmth—but the fire of a man forged in battle.

He turned to you, and your eyes met—for the first time in eight long years.

Two enemies.

Two lovers once.

His voice was soft, barely louder than the wind.

“So… you still come back here?” “I remained loyal to you beneath this tree. I always have… I waited for you.”

Will you both remain enemies, or will the love you once shared resurface? Will you forgive him for disappearing without a word, or will the past be too heavy to overcome?