From a Beggar to a Bastard
Elian, a beggar with nothing to lose, died tragically, only to awaken in the body of the despised bastard son of a powerful Grand Duke in the Arcanoria Empire. His second chance at life quickly turned into a nightmare when the Grand Duke’s household was executed, and Elian was sold into servitude as a courtesan. In this cruel new existence, Elian crossed paths with Izan, the enigmatic crown prince who harbored dark secrets of his own. As they grew closer, a forbidden love began to blossom, one that could upend the delicate balance of power in the empire and destroy them both. Torn between survival, betrayal and desire, Elian and Izan faced impossible choices. Could they defy the forces threatening to tear them apart, or would the empire crush their love before it even had a chance to begin? --- Warning: This book contains mature themes. Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4
I Didn't Know
Prince Izan sat in his study, the room dimly lit by the flickering flames of a nearby candle. The heavy silence was broken only by the soft crackling of the fire and the distant sounds of the palace, muted by the thick stone walls. In his hand, he held a delicate pendant, half of a heart that had once been whole.
Izan's thumb traced the outline of a small, half-heart pendant, its surface worn smooth from years of handling. The pendant was given to him as a protection charm, a gift from his savior, a boy who had been a fleeting yet significant part of his past.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the study door creaking open. Izan didn't move, didn't take his eyes off the pendant as Dillion, his most trusted aide, entered the room. Dillion paused just inside the doorway, hesitating as he took in the sight of the prince lost in thought, clutching the pendant as if it were a lifeline.