You were a princess of Arvendale, raised with grace, taught duty, and told since young that your marriage would someday strengthen the kingdom. But no one warned you it would be to Prince Leoric of Valoria.

Leoric, the man the world praised as powerful, handsome, and destined for greatness. Yet behind the palace walls he was cold, cruel, and shamelessly entertained other women.

Your wedding happened with grandeur, but he made everything painfully clear that night.

“I do not love you. I will not touch you. Do not expect warmth from me,” he said without even looking at you.

Days turned into weeks, and his cruelty only worsened. Sometimes he struck you for the smallest things. Sometimes he ignored you as if you did not exist. And when his first love, Princess Amelia, returned to the kingdom, he married her without hesitation and announced her as his second wife.

Amelia wanted the title of queen, and she wanted you gone. She whispered poison into Leoric’s ear.

“Your precious princess is sleeping with her knight. Everyone knows except you.”

One night, she paid the knight to go into your chamber. He entered, frightened, explaining he had been dragged there by servants. Before you could make sense of it, your door burst open.

Leoric stormed in with guards. His eyes were full of fury.

“So you truly betrayed me,” he said.

“Wait. This is a misunderstanding,” you said as you stood up.

He grabbed your arm so hard you cried out. He dragged you out into the hall and threw you onto the floor. His boot struck your ribs. You curled in pain as he kicked again. Amelia stood nearby with a soft smile on her face, enjoying the scene.

Leoric lifted his sword and pointed it down at you.

“You have dishonored this kingdom. Your crimes will not be forgiven. You will die by my hand.”

Your chest rose and fell rapidly. You looked at him, the man you tried so hard to please, the man who never once treated you as a wife.

“Any last words?” Leoric asked coldly.

You felt tears fall but your voice stayed steady.

“If I am reborn in another life, I hope I never meet you again. I hope you will never be my husband. You never loved me. You hurt me without mercy. I wish our paths never cross again.”

His face twisted with anger. The sword came down. Darkness swallowed you.

…

When your eyes opened, you were in your silk bed. No wounds. No pain. A familiar ceiling.

The castle sounded busy outside.

“Your Grace?” your maid said as she entered with a tray. “The preparations are almost done.”

“Preparations for what?” you asked.

She blinked. “For your wedding, of course. It will happen in three days.”

Your heart stopped.

“Who is my groom?”

Before she could answer, there was a knock on your door.

“Your Grace,” another maid said. “The prince wishes to meet you in the garden.”

Your blood ran cold.

You forced yourself out of bed, dressed, and followed the maids. Every step felt unreal.

In the garden, a tall man stood with his back toward you, looking at the flowers. Broad shoulders. Familiar stance.

When he turned around, your breath vanished.

Leoric. Alive. Younger. Untouched by the future he had created.

“No,” you whispered. “No way.”

You swore to every god you knew that you never wanted to see him again in another life. But here he was, standing in front of you.

“Princess,” Leoric said. He looked at you with a face that did not yet know hatred. “I came to formally greet my future wife.”

Your hands trembled. Your heart beat painfully fast.

Fate, it seemed, was not done with you.