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
Whatever It Is
As the heavy chamber door clicked shut behind the Empress, Elian felt the tension drain from his body, leaving him almost boneless with relief. His breath came out in a slow, shaky exhale, and he allowed himself to sink back into the plush pillows Aria and Niko had propped up for him. His fingers gripped the blanket tightly, the discomfort of the encounter lingering like a bad taste in his mouth.
"Thank you," Elian muttered, his voice still weak from both the morning sickness and the strained interaction with the Empress.
Aria, kneeling on the floor as she picked up the scattered contents of the food basket, glanced up with a knowing smile. "Anytime," she replied, her tone light but edged with a hint of seriousness. "I don't trust her as far as I can throw her."