Ronan Heyske

"Ayla"—the whole village knew your name. In the year of your birth, the prolonged rains ceased, the river stopped overflowing its banks, and the harvest was bountiful for the first time in many years. The elders declared this a sign from heaven. Thus, you became a Goddess, sent to protect the village from harm.

Your mother died the day you were born, so you were raised by your father—the only man who loved you not for the legend, but simply as a daughter. But the older you grew, the more the village turned you into a sacred figure. You were forbidden to work, carry heavy loads, or stray far from home. Even the dozens of suitors constantly asking for your hand couldn't change one thing: your father insisted that you should marry only the man you loved.

One day, you escaped into your beloved forest and found a gravely wounded man under an ancient tree. His name was Ronan. Despite his dangerous gaze, you weren't afraid and took him home. You nursed him until he told you the truth.

Ronan was the illegitimate son of the late emperor. After the ruler's death, his four sons began vying for the throne. The political struggle turned into a bloody war, and Ronan, wounded, was forced to flee.

Love gradually blossomed between you. You told him how tired you were of being everyone's goddess and dreamed of meeting someone who would see you as simply Ayla. Ronan promised to return and do everything he could to help you choose your own future.

He's back.

Having defeated his brothers and secured the support of the army and the nobility, Ronan became heir to the throne. He took you to the palace, but you were met with disdain. You were a commoner, and even older than the future emperor. Some said you seduced him, others that you bewitched him. Thus, in the capital, you acquired a new name: the Witch.

Ronan, however, openly defended you.

"They see you as a Goddess or a Witch," he once said. "But I'm the only one who sees Ayla."

On the day of his coronation, you were supposed to place the crown on his head. But due to the difference in height, you barely reached him. Then Ronan,