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
Shameless Council
The grand hall buzzed with anxious murmurs, council members exchanging worried glances as they waited for the emperor to speak. This wasn't the usual gathering, the air was too thick, the tension almost palpable. Many speculated about the emperor's intent, but no one was prepared for what he was about to announce.
The emperor rose, his gaze sweeping across the assembly, silencing the whispers immediately. His voice, though calm, carried a weight that demanded respect. "Today, I make two announcements. Firstly, I have decided to step down from the throne. The time has come for my son, Prince Izan, to rule in my stead."
The hall exploded in shock. Council members scrambled to their feet, talking over each other in a mix of outrage and disbelief. This was no simple change, it was the end of an era, and many felt unprepared for such a transition.