DA_Aloera

A princess's duty is to be beautiful, quiet, not loud, to be seen and not to be heard, which was how Dahlia lived most of her life. Bound by the expectations of her title, she spent years trying to prove to her father that she was more than just a princess and capable of being more than an ornament in his court but each time she never got the chance. Instead, she was forced into a marriage of convenience with the bravest knight in all the kingdom, Reagan Hawthorne.

Dahlia thought she would use this marriage to escape the brutal crutches of her father and glide out of her cage but Reagan’s cold disdain was an unexpected prison of its own. While he waged wars on distant lands, she stayed behind, holding his household together and protecting the people he seemed to ignore. But Dahlia carried a dangerous secret. By day, she was the perfect wife. By night, she became the "Black Knight," a masked vigilante fighting for justice in the shadows.

Reagan returned, ready to focus on his personal mission: avenging his father’s death. To him, Dahlia was just another pawn in his plans—a spoiled princess he needed to tolerate. But as cracks began to form in her perfect façade, Reagan couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to his wife than met the eye.

Now, with enemies circling closer and their secrets threatening to collide, Dahlia and Reagan must confront the lies they’ve told themselves and each other. But when masks fall and truths are revealed, will their fragile bond withstand the storm—or will it shatter beyond repair?

One wound. One secret. One night that changes everything.

THE Knight’s Hidden Princess

My father walked towards a seat in the room and lowered himself to a seat in the room. I didn't dare to the same, my father always loved to be above others so that meant I was to stand while he sat comfortably in his seat, staring down at me like I was nothing but the dirt under his shoe, watching me while he watched me like a predator sizing up its prey.

I knew I had to tread carefully and be watchful of what I had to say because even the smallest thing could set him off. I forced my trembling hands to still, keeping them clasped in front of me. If I showed even the slightest sign of fear, he would seize it and used it into something against me, so I had to keep my composure. Not just for my sake but for that of my child's too!

"Well?" My father prompted, "Get on with it then, don't keep me waiting!"

Taking a slow breath, I willed my voice to remain steady as I spoke. "I did what I thought to be right, father."

Within Two Days