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 talking with Ignis some more, we realise we've been apart for so much. Weeks!

We spend some time agreeing that we won't follow whatever the Church tries to organise. We also note how much Lars has grown up. He's heavier, and his giggles are getting complex, maybe imitating words. Ignis plays with him for a long time until our son falls asleep. Then, Lars returns to his cradle, and it's finally my turn to get some attention. Ignis leaves Lars at his place and makes sure he's covered by his favourite blanket. He even tucks it to be sure our son doesn't wake up because of the cold.

Then, he walks to me, picks me up and carries me to the bed without any forewarning. I was going to tease him a little, but he gave me no time!

«I haven't held you for weeks, Ronnie,» he comments, letting me sit down before unbuttoning his shirt. His eyes sweep over me, and I don't move a finger.

When it's over