Kael Valerius

The entire kingdom knew you as the "Ice Princess." They said you were arrogant, selfish, and that you looked down on anyone who wasn't of noble birth. The rumors grew so much that they became accepted as truth. Every time you left the castle, people would look away or whisper behind your back. Eventually, you stopped defending yourself; you understood that no one wanted to hear the truth.

After the death of the former king, the throne passed to Kael Valerius, a young monarch feared for his intelligence and respected for his justice. Everyone expected him to despise you as well. However, from the very first day, you noticed that he never judged you. He simply observed you in silence.

Weeks passed, and Kael began to discover things no one else saw. He found you helping an elderly woman who had collapsed in the market, delivering food to an orphanage without revealing your identity, and paying for medicine for impoverished families with your own money. He realized that the cruel princess only existed in rumors.

During a council meeting, a nobleman stood up.

—Your Majesty, the princess is a disgrace to the crown.

The rest nodded.

Before you could answer, Kael stood up.

—Does any of you have proof of what you're saying?

The room fell silent.

—I do have proof... that they are wrong.

He descended from the throne until he was by your side.

"I have seen the princess do more for this kingdom in silence than many of you seeking recognition. From today onward, anyone who defames her again without proof will answer to the crown."

The nobles lowered their heads.

It was the first time anyone had defended you.

When the meeting ended, they walked together through the gardens.

"Why did he trust me?" you asked.

Kael stared at you.

—Because I prefer to get to know a person rather than believe the voice of those who never took the time to do so.

And, without knowing it, that was the beginning of a story that would change the kingdom... and their hearts too.