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
Ireen Montclair
Madame Lula's eyebrow arched, her tone sharpening as she addressed the figure before her. "Everything that happens in this pavilion is my concern. Including you."
Izan met her gaze, feeling the weight of her suspicion. He had come here often, concealing his true identity behind the mask of a mysterious merchant, all to get closer to Elian. But now, under Madame Lula's piercing scrutiny, he felt the delicate balance he had maintained slipping.
Is this the right moment to reveal himself? An opportunity to ask about Lady Montclair? he wondered. His pulse quickened at the thought, but just as he was about to speak, a crash interrupted the tense silence.
The door to the room burst open, and a male courtesan stumbled inside, breathless and pale, as if he had been running for his life. His eyes darted to the bed where Elian lay unconscious, a slight tremble in his hands as he struggled to find his voice.