I thought I was stopping a thief. Turns out I was inviting chaos into my life.
I catch her slipping into my auction, all curves, courage, and attitude she has no right to carry.
She is a stranger who should mean nothing.
Instead she becomes the first person I cannot turn away from.
I keep her close to uncover who sent her, but she pushes back at every turn.
She turns my control into tension I cannot name.
One reckless night bound our fates in sin and fire.
Then I see her strength.
She matches my temper without fear.
She looks at me like I am more than the world I was born to rule.
By the time I realize I am falling, it is too late to pretend otherwise.
Then danger rises fast. Betrayal hits from inside my own walls.
She is carrying the most precious gift ever and becoming a target in a war she never chose.
If I fail to protect her, I will lose her, my heir and my whole empire.