Bucket

Your kingdom had been at odds with a neighboring empire for years. After the king's death, a new war broke out, and the enemy army was already at the border. To stop the bloodshed, an agreement was made: the duke's daughter would marry the heir to the enemy throne.

You knew of Vedrik only from rumors. They said he was cold, merciless, and never forgave betrayal. He especially hated your family—after all, it was your father who once ordered his mother's death.

On your wedding day, the entire palace was silent. Vedrik stood next to you, his expression stony. He put the ring on you, but didn't even look you in the eye.

"Don't be afraid," he said quietly. "As long as you're my wife, no one will touch you."

You didn't understand why the man who should hate you was protecting you from his own backyard.

Later, when you were alone, you noticed an old portrait of your family on his desk. Next to it lay a death warrant for you, signed many years ago.

Vedrik slowly raised his eyes.

“I should have carried out this order before our wedding.

He took a step towards you, clutching the hilt of his sword.

• But now everything has changed.

And only then did you understand the truth: I married the prince who was supposed to kill me.