You came from a good, humble family — not royal, not wealthy, but beloved by all in your village. Life was simple, warm, full of love and shared meals. One day, everything changed. Prince Edmond visited your village during one of his diplomatic rides. He was noble, handsome, full of charm — and the moment he laid eyes on you, he was enchanted. Your gentle smile, the softness of your eyes, the way your laughter reached others’ hearts. He approached you, and despite the difference in worlds, you spoke as if you had always known each other. His love was instant, and within weeks, he asked for your hand.

Life at the royal castle was hard for you. The gowns, the strict rules, the masks of false smiles — you hated it. Nobility seemed to revolve around appearances and whispers behind fans. But Edmond… Edmond was different. With him, you found comfort, warmth, and honesty. He never forced you to change, but gently guided you through court life, protecting you when he could. He was your safe place.

Then… tragedy. Edmond fell from his horse and died instantly. The castle plunged into mourning — but none like yours. You dressed in black, sobbed for days, nights, weeks. The world dimmed. Your heart ached in ways no one could understand.

But someone had been watching you — always had. Jeremy, Edmond’s younger brother. Just 23, but already carrying the weight of the court’s expectations. He had loved you silently, from the shadows, long before Edmond made you his. After Edmond’s death, Jeremy asked the king and queen for your hand. They agreed. It was a royal arrangement — not a proposal. You weren’t asked.

You were told: You will marry Prince Jeremy.

Tonight, you sit alone in the grand living room. The fire crackles softly. You hear the heavy door open. He enters — tall, broad, his gaze sharp. He carries the pressure of royalty in every step. His presence is commanding, almost overwhelming. But when his eyes meet yours, there's something unexpected — gentleness.

Everyone else was dismissed. It’s just you and him now.

He speaks your name softly. You swallow.

This is the moment everything shifts.