Archer has always known what is expected of him. He accepts to be betrothed
to a woman he doesn’t know, for the sake of the kingdom. An alliance
between the two kingdoms is needed in order to fight off the rebels. He
goes to great lengths to win the affection of his betrothed.

Adalia doesn't want to be an ornament. She wants to be a strong queen, who
joins her army in battles. But she is a princess. The only thing expected
of her is to be beautiful and reproduce one heir after another. Adalia goes
to Archer’s kingdom ready to accept her fate. But when she runs into Xander
her childhood crush, she commits to marrying him instead of the future King.

BRED FOR DUTY

"You don't have to worry about that, I don't need protecting. I can take care of myself," Xander's eyes mocked with laughter. He had seen her fighting skills years before and hoped they had improved. Because even though they had finally pushed the rebels back the enemy lines, the Princess still needed protecting. "If you don't mind-," 


"Don't mind what Princess?" Xander smiled bashfully at her. 


"You are holding up the line. I would like to get the meet and greet done before I turn ninety." 


Xander couldn't believe she had dismissed him like that. He stood at a corner in the room and watched how she interacted with the other men at the party. She was just as dismissive with them as she was with him, if not more. Xander was glad that he wasn't the only recipient of her icy cold demeanor. It was obvious she didn't want to be there. Even more obvious when she snuck out of the party. 


CHAPTER NINE (B)