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
Elian Montclair
The grand court of the imperial palace was bathed in an eerie silence, one that hummed with the undercurrent of unease.
Rows upon rows of nobles sat in their finely embroidered robes, stiff and alert, the brilliant light of the chandeliers above reflecting off the golden thread of their garments.
Emperor Arcelius sat on the elevated throne, his figure casting an imposing shadow over the court.
To his right, the crown prince, Izan, sat quietly, his posture rigid and expression unreadable. On the other side, ministers and high-ranking officials filled the space, their seats arranged in a perfect crescent, like vultures waiting for something to devour.
Elian stood near the center of the room, feeling small and out of place among the grandeur.
He shifted on his feet, the weight of countless eyes pressing down on him.
Every gaze was sharp, some hostile, others curious, but all judging.