Duke, it hurts...
[MATURE CONTENT WARNING: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK] Welcome to the fancy world of the elite, where Seraphina Alaric, a delicate and fragile girl always relying on medicine to get better, is just trying to catch a break before her life gets turned upside down by an arranged marriage... Seriously, who wants to be tied down when you’re still figuring out what you want in life? During a swanky banquet, she bumps into the enigmatic Duke of Everwyn. And the craziest part? She has no clue who this guy is—just thinks he’s some mysterious stranger. Out of nowhere, feeling adventurous (and maybe a bit reckless), she suggests a secret rendezvous that turns her whole world upside down. In that hidden moment, Seraphina dives headfirst into her wildest desires. But plot twist—turns out, the guy she just spent the night with is none other than her future husband. Oops! So much for a mysterious stranger—she just spent the night with her future husband! "Duke, It Hurts..." invites you into a whirlwind of self-discovery, steamy romance, and the sweet chaos of love when you least expect it. Can Seraphina break free from societal chains, or will she find herself tangled in the very web she tried to escape? Join her on this thrilling journey, and discover how love can be both liberating and complicated. Don’t miss out—your next obsession is just a page away!
A Robbery
Their food arrived quickly—two steaming bowls of stew, accompanied by crusty bread and roasted vegetables. The rich, savory scent was enough to make their mouths water. Seraphina took a bite, closing her eyes briefly in satisfaction. "This is even better than lunch," she said with a grin.
Raven took a sip of his drink, glancing out the window at the darkening street. "It's good, but it's the company that makes it better."
Seraphina rolled her eyes playfully. "Always the charmer."
As they ate, their conversation drifted from light banter about the town to more mundane topics—how long they planned to stay in Pincla, whether they would explore more of the nearby towns, and what they hoped to do when they returned home. The relaxed atmosphere allowed them to temporarily forget the encounter with Calder earlier in the day, focusing instead on the simple pleasures of being together.