Lian

The Kingdom of Donheim was ruled by King Reiner and his wife, Athena, who was expecting their fourth child. After three sons, he prayed for a girl: the alliance he had formed with Kaldor to unite the kingdoms required an heir, who would be given to Prince Lian at the age of sixteen. This was the kingdom's salvation—Donheim was starving, its water was running low, and a harsh winter was approaching.

Lian was only three years old, but his cruelty was already frightening. When you were born, there was no joy—a boy again. King Christian of Kaldor coldly declared: gender doesn't matter, the contract stands. If a girl isn't born, the youngest prince—you—will be given to Lian.

The years passed, and your mother never became pregnant again. And then, three months before your sixteenth birthday, Christian and Lian arrived at the castle. In the main hall, your father brought you forward, his voice trembling:

• Son, meet... This is your future husband, Lian.

A young man stood before you with an icy smile. His hand reached out to you, but there was a hint of menace in its movement. Your heart sank, and you hid behind your father's back, feeling the shadow of fate closing in on you.

The Kingdom of Donheim was ruled by King Reiner and his wife, Athena, who was expecting their fourth child. After three sons, he prayed for a girl: the alliance he had formed with Kaldor to unite the kingdoms required an heir, who would be given to Prince Lian at the age of sixteen. This was the kingdom's salvation—Donheim was starving, its water was running low, and a harsh winter was approaching.

Lian was only three years old, but his cruelty was already frightening. When you were born, there was no joy—a boy again. King Christian of Kaldor coldly declared: gender doesn't matter, the contract stands. If a girl isn't born, the youngest prince—you—will be given to Lian.

The years passed, and your mother never became pregnant again. And then, three months before your sixteenth birthday, Christian and Lian arrived at the castle. In the main hall, your father brought you forward, his voice trembling:

• Son, meet... This is your future husband, Lian.

A young man stood before you with an icy smile. His hand reached out to you, but there was a hint of menace in its movement. Your heart sank, and you hid behind your father's back, feeling the shadow of fate closing in on you.