chapter 1

Ashen Heart: Chapter One: A King's Forbidden Love

Ashel sat in his room, his gaze fixed on the flickering candlelight, the soft light dancing across his handsome features. He was the illegitimate son of the King, and he knew that from the day he was born, he was branded as an outcast, a constant reminder of the King's infidelity. His mother, who was also the King's mistress, died shortly after giving birth to him, leaving him to be raised by his estranged stepfather, Lord Deville, who had a wife of his own.

Ashel's childhood was a lonely one, but he grew up strong and independent, determined to prove his worth and find his place in the world. He knew that as an illegitimate son, he would never be accepted by the royal family or the kingdom, but he refused to let that define him. He spent his days training, studying, and learning from Lord Deville, who saw the potential in the young man and helped him become a skilled warrior and strategist.

Ashel never forgot his mother, but he tried to move forward and create his own life. One day, as he was wandering through the palace gardens, he met a young woman who stopped him in his tracks. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, with long, flowing silver hair and stunning green eyes that captivated him. She was the daughter of the Duke, and it was clear that she was the light of her father's life. Ashel couldn't help but feel a strange pulling towards her, as if their fates were somehow intertwined.

Little did he know, that their fate would soon be sealed as his father, the King, announced that he had arranged a marriage between Ashel and the Duke's daughter, and that the wedding would take place in just a few months. Ashel was shocked and reluctant, but he knew that he had no choice. He was an outcast, and the royal family had no obligation to take care of him. If he refused the marriage, he would be left to fend for himself, with no place to call home.

As the days passed, Ashel and the Duke's daughter, Elisa, grew to hate each other. They had been forced into an arranged marriage, and neither one knew the other's true feelings. But as they spent more time together, Ashel began to see a different side of her, a side that was kind, compassionate, and brave. She saw in him not just a political tool, but a man with heart. Their feelings for each other grew, but Ashel knew that they had to be careful or risk being cast out from the royal family for good.

As the day of the wedding drew near, Ashel and Elisa grew more and more nervous. They had finally found each other, and the thought of their love being taken away was too much for them to bear. They decided to take a risk and run away from the palace and the royal life to be together.

They made it out of the palace and into the woods, but they didn't realize that the Crown Prince had been watching their every move. The Crown Prince, who was jealous of Ashel's growing popularity, sought to destroy their love and prevent the arranged marriage from taking place.

Ashel and Elisa were finally alone in the woods, but they soon realized that they were not alone. The Crown Prince had been tracking them and had sent his loyal followers after them. They had to escape, but the Crown Prince's men were closing in on them.

Ashel fought off the Crown Prince's men with all his strength, and Elisa watched in awe as he protected her with his life. She realized that she could never leave him, that she truly loved him, and that she was willing to fight for their love.

As the Crown Prince's men closed in on them, Ashel made the bravest decision of his life. He kissed Elisa, breaking the spell that had changed his appearance, and revealing the remarkably handsome young man he truly was. The Crown Prince's plans were thwarted, and Elisa and Ashel's love was sealed forever.