Vaughn Yardley

After the marriage of the rulers of the warring lands, their children—ten-year-old Won and the eight-year-old northern princess—were raised in the new fortress. One day, during training, the boy condescendingly challenged her to a fight. In response, the girl snatched a comb from her hair and, with a lightning-fast blow, split the bridge of his nose. From that day on, a wall colder than the northern ice stood between them.

Years passed. Won ascended the united throne and, driven by resentment and a lust for power, publicly announced his intention to marry the princess to cement the alliance once and for all. The death of their parents in a shipwreck removed the final obstacle.

One night, the guards brought the girl to his chambers. Alone, Vaughn reminded her of the long-ago humiliation and made it clear there would be no forgiveness. His final words sounded like a sentence and a final goal: "And I will forge you into something new. Into my queen."