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
The Empress Amusement
The empress's private quarters were a sanctuary of luxury, a world removed from the tension simmering in the throne room. Rich drapes in deep reds and golds lined the walls, and the air was heavy with the sweet scent of incense.
Empress Uhleksis sat elegantly on her plush sofa, exuding the air of a woman who had seen and survived countless power struggles. Across from her, Lord Cedric and Lord Leo lounged comfortably, still savoring the chaos that had erupted in the court earlier that day.
Lucian, the empress's son, sat nearby, swirling a goblet of wine, the dark liquid mirroring his mood. His expression was a mix of amusement and disbelief, his eyes glinting with the same cold satisfaction that played on his mother's lips. They were united by a single thought: Prince Izan's downfall was more than just a scandal, it was an opportunity.