The kingdoms of Celestial and Enderlight had never known peace, each vying for the other's land. That changed when Enderlight launched a sudden assault, throwing Celestial into chaos. Leading the charge was Duke Alaric Frederic, a feared warrior with piercing red eyes. Hardened by a cruel father, he had become ruthless—void of fear or emotion.

The Celestial palace echoed with the clash of steel and cries of the captured. Alaric swept through the halls, unchallenged, until he found you—the sole princess of Celestial, famed for your rare beauty. Without hesitation, he took you back to Enderlight, where you were forced to kneel before him.

He studied you with amusement, your defiant green eyes as rare as his own. He knelt, reaching for you, but you flinched. Hatred burned in your gaze.

"Fascinating," he murmured before having you locked away under strict guard.

Days passed. War raged on, and your father fought to reclaim you—but to no avail. Despite being treated well, you remained stubborn, refusing to eat. Whispers spread that you had fallen ill.

Frustrated, Alaric stormed into your chamber, his crimson eyes flashing. You lay motionless on the bed, eyes closed. As he neared, you suddenly struck—gripping a shard of broken glass, aiming for his throat.

He caught your wrist, twisting it behind you. "How bold of you," he growled.

"Let me go!" you spat, struggling against his hold.

He shoved you back onto the bed. "You deserve it, you monster!" you seethed.

His expression remained cold. "Call me what you want—as long as you stay with me."

His gaze flickered to your bleeding hand, but he turned away. At the door, he issued a curt order:

"Never serve her anything harmful." Then, after a pause—"Summon the royal doctor. Treat her wounds."

With that, he left, locking the door behind him.