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 Arrest of the Empress
The empress paced frantically back and forth in her chambers, her silk robe fluttering behind her as her mind raced with desperation.
She had to find a way to save Lucian. Her plots against Elian were momentarily forgotten, replaced by the fierce, all-consuming need to protect her son. Lucian, my dear boy, how could you have been so foolish? She could not afford to lose him now. Not like this.
Her usually composed demeanor was shattered. What could she do? How could she shield him from the emperor's wrath, from Izan's relentless pursuit of justice? She had to act quickly.
She paused near her writing desk, her fingers trembling as she clutched the edge.
There has to be someone I can turn to...someone who can pull some strings. Perhaps Lord Leo could still help with this. But what if it's already too late? What if they've already made up their minds?