xiaohai_23

Why does the King want to take the daughter of a country noble as his bride? Aren't there so many other women more qualified to marry him???

It has been a few months since the second Prince conquered the throne through a path of blood. One of his first decrees states he will marry the daughter of Duke Bursio, Veronica.
Yet, the girl is more than unwilling. And not only because of the ferocious reputation of the young tyrant.
She has a secret to keep, and becoming the Queen of Alba would be a risk she's reluctant to take. She is the Princess of Mages. Her powers shall be hidden, for the church persecutes anyone with some affinity with magical arts.
Avoiding the King's orders is impossible until she comes up with a plan: she can't get married twice, right? As such, she just has to find another man that will accept her and perform the sacred ceremony before the King has the chance to get his hands on her.
The guard at her door, Ignis, seems just the perfect person. They knew each other as children, and this unexpected reunion looks like the last opportunity fate has to offer.

WARNING: smut.

The cover is mine. Don't use it without permission.

***

From the story:
I bend lower, approaching his lips. I keep a close distance from our mouths so that they don't touch, but not enough to avoid my breath tickling him when I talk.
«Can you swear you won't complain no matter what I do?»
«I can. I won't fight back against you, Veronica. I swear it on my honour and my life.»
«That's so tempting, you know? Letting me do whatever I want...» I pull the side of the shirt apart, detaching the two buttons I forgot to undo. «Are you sure I'm a little lamb who won't take advantage of your offer?»
I place a digit on his chest, making sure he feels the nail pressing. Since he doesn't react, I scratch him. Not too deep, just enough to make him realise I'm not joking.
No reaction at all. Not even a frown. Not a single word.
«Oh, I'm ready to test your honour tonight,» I whisper, dragging my hand on his stomach.

***
Chat with the author!
Discord: bit.ly/discordxiaohai
Instagram and Facebook: xiaohai_23
Kofi: ko-fi.com/xiaohai_23

My other works:
- Crazy Duke and Fallen Queen (historical romance, completed)
- Destined: the Vampire's Soulmate (fantasy romance, completed)
- Unexpected Gift (sci-fi romance, ongoing, free)

The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

Marius comes back from his mission soon enough, and he snuggles in my chambers just like usual. Aria follows him, silent and a little worried.

«Your Majesty,» she says, curtseying perfectly.

I bet Marius helped her with this! I was right: these two have been seeing each other way more often than what was necessary for our mission.

«There is someone I'd like you to meet,» I say while walking toward the sitting room.

«Mo-mo... Her Majesty?» she says, opening her eyes wide.

«You can call her, her Highness, Duchess Bursio.»

«It's the same; her title is hidden, either way. She's meeting another Mage right now... Well, other two Mages. I felt it right to introduce you as well. You can ask her about anything troubling you, and my mother will know the answer. She's more powerful than I am, and she's wise.»

Complicated love