A Royal Obligation
In a realm of four kingdoms, two were on the verge of war. Prince Eirik, the fourth prince of Valeidio, a Ferre whose beauty could rival the gods, was thrust into a marriage alliance with Prince Kaelix, the strong and proud heir of Zephyros. Both princes were determined to fight against the fate that had been forced on them. Eirik resented being used as a pawn, while Kaelix saw the alliance as a threat to his freedom. As they clashed in a battle of wills, their encounters became a constant push and pull of resistance and pride. But as the pressures of duty mounted, the lines between obligation and desire began to blur. In their struggle against their forced union, they found themselves drawn toward each other in ways they never expected. Would their bond become a weapon against the war or would their kingdoms' rivalries destroy any chance of love before it could take root? --- Warning: This book contains mature themes. Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4
The Price of Failure
King Thaddeus paced back and forth in the grand hall, his heavy boots echoing against the stone floor. His face was a storm of fury, his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as he fumed, barely able to contain his anger.
Prince Carl, his eldest son, stood nearby, watching his father's every movement, concern flickering in his sharp eyes. On the floor, crumpled in a pool of blood, lay the messenger who had delivered the news that had sent the king into this rage.
Caledon, the king's chief advisor, stood not far from the king, silent and still, his face a mask of calm though his mind was spinning with the consequences of their failed assassination attempts.
"I warned them!" King Thaddeus growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I warned them not to fail me again. Do you know how many men we've lost this time?" He turned sharply toward Carl, his face twisted with rage. "Do you?"