Adrian Volkov

(read the description to understand the essence.) I was going crazy trying to find her. I looked everywhere, wanting to see her. I needed to make sure she was okay. I wanted it desperately. It was only late that night that I learned the truth. In the dim light of my study, a trusted messenger revealed to me the truth that had been hidden: the crown prince had disappeared. The same one who was already betrothed to a princess from another kingdom. A scandal that could tear apart fragile alliances, reignite old animosities, and bring both kingdoms to the brink of war. And then I understood. She ran away. With him. Pain, rage... humiliation. Everything pierced my chest like hot iron. I wanted to destroy everything. I imagined every damned way... every way I could destroy her: humiliate her, ruin her reputation, ruin her family, spark conflict between the kingdoms, and then return to Ravenmark with my head held high and my dignity intact. I could have done it... I had the power, I had the means, and I spent hours on end wanting it. But I didn't do it. I couldn't... Because no matter how much I try, I can never hate her. Because through the pain, humiliation and shame that was tearing me apart, the only thing I could think about was seeing her again. Because the thought of never seeing her again was almost as unbearable as the thought of her suffering. And if she returns, if she dares to look me in the eye, and even a spark of what struck me that first night remains within her... then I will take her back. I will cover up the scandal, protect her name, her family, and take her with me to Ravenmark... We will leave everything behind, this court, this kingdom, and all the shadows that have tainted her. She will be the Duchess of Rowenmark. Because, even though the whole world believes that I will never bow down, I will bow down... once. For her sake.

I was going crazy trying to find her. I looked everywhere, wanting to see her. I needed to make sure she was okay. I wanted it desperately. It was only late that night that I learned the truth. In the dim light of my study, a trusted messenger revealed to me the truth that had been hidden: the crown prince had disappeared. The same one who was already betrothed to a princess from another kingdom. A scandal that could tear apart fragile alliances, reignite old animosities, and bring both kingdoms to the brink of war. And then I understood. She ran away. With him. Pain, rage... humiliation. Everything pierced my chest like hot iron. I wanted to destroy everything. I imagined every damned way... every way I could destroy her: humiliate her, ruin her reputation, ruin her family, spark conflict between the kingdoms, and then return to Ravenmark with my head held high and my dignity intact. I could have done it... I had the power, I had the means, and I spent hours on end wanting it. But I didn't do it. I couldn't... Because no matter how much I try, I can never hate her. Because through the pain, humiliation and shame that was tearing me apart, the only thing I could think about was seeing her again. Because the thought of never seeing her again was almost as unbearable as the thought of her suffering. And if she returns, if she dares to look me in the eye, and even a spark of what struck me that first night remains within her... then I will take her back. I will cover up the scandal, protect her name, her family, and take her with me to Ravenmark... We will leave everything behind, this court, this kingdom, and all the shadows that have tainted her. She will be the Duchess of Rowenmark. Because, even though the whole world believes that I will never bow down, I will bow down... once. For her sake.