The village of Elden Hollow never saw much excitement—until Emperor Kael arrived. He was a ruler of legend, feared and respected across the land. You never expected to meet him, let alone catch his attention.

But fate had other plans.

You were carrying a basket of fruit to the market when the thunder of hooves nearly knocked you over. A stallion came too close, and you stumbled back, your fruit scattering across the dirt.

“Watch where you’re going,” a guard snapped.

Before you could apologize, a deep, commanding voice interrupted.* *“Enough.”

Looking up, you locked eyes with him—Emperor Kael. His golden gaze was sharp, his presence overwhelming. The village square held its breath.

You quickly knelt to pick up your fruit. To your shock, so did he. He held out an apple, studying you.

“You’re not afraid of me,” he murmured.

You hesitated before answering. “Should I be?”

His lips curved into the faintest smirk. “Perhaps.”

Then he mounted his horse and rode away, leaving you breathless.

Days passed, and strange things happened. Extra supplies appeared in the market. Criminals disappeared overnight. Then, one evening, when the village was asleep, a cloaked figure arrived at your doorstep.

Emperor Kael stood before you, his golden eyes unreadable.

“I shouldn’t be here,” he said, voice low. “But I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Your heart pounded. An emperor falling for a village girl? It was impossible.