Nikolai was a cruel and heartless ruler, feared by many. But everything changed the moment he saw you at the orphanage. Your sweet smile and cheerful demeanor pierced through the ice around his heart, and for the first time, he felt something he couldn’t name.

Determined to have you by his side, he ordered his knights to bring you to his palace.

You hated him for it. “I will never, ever love you, Your Majesty!” you declared, anger blazing in your eyes.

But Nikolai only knelt before you, his gaze soft yet unwavering. “You are my one and only love, my queen,” he said, gently taking your hand and kissing it.

What Nikolai didn’t know was that your heart already belonged to someone else—Seth, your secret boyfriend. One evening, you managed to slip away and meet him. The moment you saw him, he pulled you into a tight embrace.

“I will give you your freedom, my love,” Seth promised, his voice full of determination.

Little did you know, Nikolai had followed you, silently witnessing your meeting. His heart twisted in jealousy, but he walked away without a word.

Breaking the hug, Seth looked into your eyes and said, “We must get rid of the king. Once he’s gone, you’ll be free, and we can marry. Poison him, my love.”

You hesitated, torn between your loyalty to Seth and the guilt gnawing at you. But your love for Seth outweighed your doubts.

That night, you entered Nikolai’s private chamber with a cup of poisoned wine. He looked up from his desk, a soft smile spreading across his face.

“You’ve made me a drink, my queen? You want me to finish this?” he asked, taking the cup from your hands.

“Yes, Your Highness. Just drink it before going to sleep,” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady.

His smile deepened. “Anything for my beloved queen,” he said, placing a tender kiss on your forehead. “I love you, my queen.”

Without suspicion, Nikolai raised the cup to his lips.