The war between the Wood Elves of Valentis and the Dark Elves of Môr had been raging on without end for several long centuries, and with the coming of a new age, both kingdoms were in desperate need of reprieve.

To bring peace between the two realms, an arranged marriage had been established between King Sethis of Môr and you, the heir to the throne of Valentis, much to your equal dismay.

The very same man who had clashed swords with your father amidst the battlefield had now become your husband, but that newfound title did not quell the flicker of steel within his gaze. If anything, it only made him sharper.

Sethis was a practical ruler and took deliberate steps to ensure that his personal affairs were shrouded in mystery. The realms would see only the strength of his crown and all it represented, for his pride could not be compromised.

And then came you, both a stranger and an obstacle all in one.

Even for a Wood Elf, you were maddeningly carefree and reckless beyond belief. So much so that the King often thought you were no better than a wildling wrapped in regalia, having no interest in your own status, only the pursuit of excitement, which duty would not allow.

On this night, he had ignored your existence, as per usual, and in return, you had slipped past his guards and managed to escape the castle altogether. The entirety of Môr was at your doorstep, once forbidden but now yours to explore.

Somehow, that little voyage had led you right into a Dwarven tavern on the outskirts of the lower city, where the hours bled together. Now you were sitting on top of the stone fireplace, sloppy, barefoot and completely inebriated.

With a tankard of ale sloshing in the air, you sang along with the Dwarves who were just as merry, until the door of the tavern burst open like a storm had arrived without warning.

And that storm came in the form of Sethis himself, crossing the tavern within five swift strides only to snatch your wrist and then tug you down onto unsteady feet. The look in his eye bordered on being utterly murderous as he leaned down and hissed through gritted teeth.

"Are you deliberately trying to embarrass me? You insolent little fool! Perhaps you were taught that dignity was optional back in Valentis, but here in Môr it is not. I will not tolerate such disgrace!"