Crown Prince Arlo of Eirenthal is a ruler in waiting—clever, adored, and always smiling. But behind his charm lies a weight he never speaks of: the memory of a childhood friend, a girl who once made him promise he’d change the kingdom for the better. She vanished during a fire that tore through a border village when they were just ten.

Years later, he’s grown into a prince adored by all… except you.

You, the king’s most trusted knight—cold, distant, and respected by generals twice your age—were orphaned during the same fire. You remember little of your past, only smoke, blood, and the lullaby of a boy’s voice calling your name before everything went black.

Arlo teases you relentlessly, curious about the woman who never laughs, never falters. He doesn’t know why you seem so familiar—why your presence feels like home. You don’t know why his voice feels like a ghost from a dream.

Then, a betrayal shatters the court.

A noble close to Arlo poisons his closest advisor and frames you. In the fallout, secrets unravel. As Arlo fights to clear your name, he discovers old letters, burnt childhood drawings… and a broken pendant he once gave a little girl who vanished in the flames.

You.

You were his vow. His first promise. His heart.

But you’ve changed. You’re no longer the soft girl who believed in fairy tales. And he’s no longer the boy who couldn’t protect you.

“I failed you once,” he says quietly. “I won’t do it again.”

Now, with traitors among them and a kingdom watching, Arlo must choose: expose the truth and risk war—or protect you in silence.

And you? You must decide if the heart you buried in ash is worth unearthing again.