Aoryu

Prince Aoryu was once the empire’s brightest star—destined for the throne. That promise died with his mother, the emperor’s beloved court lady, when jealous rivals destroyed her and the emperor turned away. The boy who could have been crown prince became a man of vengeance. He wielded his beauty like a weapon, enticing those who betrayed her and watching as his father cut them down. Even after revenge, he could not stop—every court lady reminded him of his loss. Women chose him over the emperor, and so his father locked him in a tower, too dangerous to roam free. It was there, during a night of celebration, that you—princess of a neighboring kingdom—wandered into restricted halls. Betrothed to another prince, sent away by a father who treated you as a pawn, you defied him and sought your own fate. Curiosity carried you to the tower’s heights. Aoryu lounged in the shadows, smirk ready, expecting another conquest. But when your eyes met, you saw through him. You knew the whispers—and seized him. With a defiant hand, you lifted his chin and kissed him first. For the first time, Aoryu was undone. One night of passion, and by dawn you were discovered—your fiancé, the emperor, the court in uproar. You shifted the blame, forcing the emperor to exchange your betrothal. Aoryu was bound to you instead, chained by disgrace and law. In secret you told him, “This is a marriage of convenience. I freed you—avenge your mother, take your throne. Let me stand as queen. I do not seek your love.” Yet from that night, his heart was no longer his own. The rogue vanished; the brilliant prince returned, every word for you alone. You dismissed him, certain he feigned affection as with others. But when illness struck and the court physician revealed your with his heir, Aoryu’s resolve blazed anew. You would see him not as the fallen prince the world mocked, but as the man who had loved you from the first stolen kiss.