Chapter 1

"ATTACK!" Axel gave orders aloud to the troops he led. His spirit is always burning in every war, to be able to seize power and defend the honor of his kingdom.

Letveria city, which is the border between the two kingdoms, has always been contested. That's because the city is very rich in resources, but all this time Letveria is under the calm and peaceful Nirvana Kingdom. if the war this time Axel and the troops lost, then this would be his first defeat, and the pride of the kingdom was also at stake.

Axel always leads in war, because he is the son of a king who was educated so that he can become a tough leader like his father. even though he had to sacrifice the lives of many good people he knew. All of these are consequences that must be accepted as a leader.

"Remanu, attack the right side!" Axel ordered his warlord and the troops under Remanu to attack according to the strategy they had drawn up previously.

Remanu and his troops moved towards the right, attacking eagerly for victory. the troops attacked without the slightest hesitation, their morale the same as Axel's. Even though the war this time faced quite a strong opponent, it did not discourage them from moving forward. Axel and his troops always believe that they will win in all the wars they face.

The soldiers' weapons were stained with blood. Some were injured but were still able to continue the war. Some are already helpless and see war until they are lifeless. someone died instantly with a sword piercing through the chest and the back. Arrows and spears flew like calamitous rain and sent them to heaven.

When war is at its peak, and Nirvana is in victory. "PRINCE, BEWARE!" Remanu's scream was loud, and he ran to help Axel who fell to the ground.

Axel looked towards the back, and the leader of the enemy army was turning his bloodied long sword towards the crown prince. he didn't have time to dodge, and closed his eyes, terrible at what was about to happen to him. However, fate said otherwise, the sword did not land on any of Bagan's body at all.

Axel finally opened his eyes and saw that a long sword had pierced Remanu's chest. he saw the warlord smiled, closed his eyes slowly as he fell to the ground.

"IT-IT-NO!"

.Remanu finally died in a major war to seize the most valuable territory belonging to the Kingdom of Nirvana and left Prince Axel, who was none other than his close friend.

*

Axel opened his eyes. He woke up from a nightmare about the last war he did some time ago. the war that killed Remanu made Axel drift away in sadness, disappointment, and no longer participating in the war. finally, the decision to accept his father's offer to ascend the throne was taken, making Axel have to marry a daughter from another kingdom to be his best man.

Charlotte - the daughter of the Florin Kingdom - became the choice of Axel's parents - to become the queen there. This loveless marriage has always been a tradition in all kingdoms, and Axel's intention to marry his loved one had to just disappear. even though he knew, it was impossible to be with that person, because there would be a lot of opposition, not only from his parents but also from all over the country.

Axel looked at the wedding dress that would make him look manly. The red, black, and gold-colored clothes look so luxurious. Even the hat studded with diamonds to signify his position as a noble was lying neatly beside his wedding dress. Axel tries to accept the fact that he has to get married today, and lives life together forever with Charlotte.

The nightmare that haunts him makes Axel have to resuscitate himself longer. He sat on the edge of the bed and stared out the window. The palace grounds are filled with decorations for signs of love, such as flowers, pastel-colored ribbons, and also ornaments of doves that are a sign of love. Not to forget, the long red carpet also adorned the streets.

'Is this the end of my life, or the beginning of everything? I still can't accept all of this, and forget what happened, "Axel muttered in his heart.

*

Two weeks after the war to defend Letveria City passed.

Axel looks so gloomy, even when he sits with his father on the throne. no more friendly smile like that usually given by the king's son. He even tends to choose to be alone and stay in his room for the whole day.

"I'll excuse me," whispered Axel to his father.

"Wait! you will stay quiet again in your room? How long do you want to be like this? The war in Letveria was unexpected because many soldiers died, but we already won, and you're still a great leader, right? " said Axel's father.

Axel just looked at his father without saying anything, then he turned around and walked back, leaving the king's room.

"You are going to marry the princess of the Florin Kingdom -"

The king's words made Axel stop in his tracks and discouraged him from returning to his room. He stiffly looked down until he could not say anything else, it is certain that he also could not refuse this match.

"- and you will replace me on this throne. Remember, you are the prince of this kingdom and heir to my throne. "

Hearing what his father said, Axel, who was unable to do anything, continued his steps. The king who saw his son's attitude could only be silent, he knew that Axel could not possibly oppose him.

*

A servant's voice called Axel and informed him that his cousin, Theodore, had come to see him. "Mr. Axel, Mr. Theo is here."

Axel invited him in because it was impossible to ignore his close cousin. Even though he knew that Theo was always joking and was not serious about this life. Certainly, this matchmaking marriage would be a joke.

"Axel, you finally ascended the throne too. You will be the gallant and handsome king of the whole land. " With a big laugh, Theo tried to greet him in a friendly manner.

"What are you doing here? Did someone tell you? " Axel asked irritably.

"No, purely from my wish. You still look sad, is it really because your warlord died on the battlefield? You just don't make sense, man. I am very willing if you ask me to be your warlord, "said Theo.

"So what? You're going to screw up the war and cause defeat until the kingdom collapses? " Axel looks so annoyed with Theo. This resentment was triggered by Theo's words of dismissing Remanu's death. death is not something that can be underestimated, especially in that war many of his soldiers died, even though in the end they won.

Theo felt that he had been underestimated by his cousin, he didn't talk much anymore and left Axel's room with hidden resentment. but, before he came out of the door of his cousin's room, messages were given to Axel who would become king.

"The collapse of the kingdom was not only lost in the war, but also because of the king who was greedy and selfish in love." Theo left the room.

a message deep enough for Axel to be appointed as a king who married without love.

Axel watched his cousin leave. It's very obvious that he doesn't care, because Theo doesn't know what he's feeling, and how this loveless marriage will work out. he will know when his turn will come, a mate so that he can ascend the throne and lead the country with dignity.

*