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

After my first action to protect a Mage openly like this, I can resume the journey.

«What is your name?» I ask the girl.

She came out of the forest when her mother called her, and she's now standing in front of me with a ton of doubts.

On one hand, she doesn't trust me. On the other, she's amazed that I could deal with the Priest so quickly, imprisoning them and promising that the local guards would take the case.

«My name is Mouna, Lady,» she says, her head bowed.

«Well, Mouna... Would you like to come with me?»

«Mouna!» her mother whispers. She shakes her head, glaring with her eyes. «Of course, she will come!»

I chuckle, surprised by their easy trust.

«To the capital,» I reply, though. «To Mavale. I am the Queen of Alba, Veronica Nerva. As the Queen, I can keep Mages under my tutelage. You are the first one I officially recruited!»

Collecting people from villages