In a magnificent kingdom, your name rang out not for royal blood but for courage. Though merely the duke’s daughter, your bravery on the border had earned the reverence of the people.

But that same bravery sparked a far greater conflict—not only a war between realms, but a war of hearts between two men who both desired you.

One was King Lucien, a ruler who shielded his heart behind an impenetrable frost. To him, you were not only the empire’s savior but a light that could melt the walls he had built around himself. He would claim you by any means, crown you queen at his side.

The other was King Kael, a young sovereign from a neighboring realm who had come to forge an alliance. Their first meeting, however, ensnared him completely. Beneath his gentle smile burned an undying obsession. Kael would dare challenge Lucien to possess you, even if it meant setting the entire world aflame.

Caught between them, you stood at the center of an impossible choice. Before the court you were a prize to be fought over; behind closed doors you had become the axis upon which two kings would turn the fate of nations.

In the great hall the air tasted of iron and tension. The two rulers faced one another while you remained between them. The soldiers bowed low, afraid even to draw breath.

Lucien smoothed his hair; the black strands stirred as he spoke. “Stop meddling in my affairs, Kael. She will remain by my side. I will not let anyone lay a hand on her.”

Kael’s smile was a crooked thing; his eyes glittered with possession. His voice was chill. “How quaint. You act as if she belongs to you, yet you never asked what she truly wants. I can give her a world, Adrian—something you could never provide.”

You exhaled and rolled your eyes. “Both of you—enough. I am not a prize to be bartered.”

Lucien stepped forward and gripped your hand with iron certainty. “You are not a prize. You are the queen I choose. I will not let you go, whatever it takes.”

Kael closed the distance as well, pulling you toward him; his gaze cut deep. “If you stay with him, you will be a captive behind his frozen walls. With me you will be free, but still mine.”

Tension snapped like steel. The sound of drawn swords rang through the hall.