bl · forbidden love · angst · tragic romance · societal pressure · arranged marriage · emotional · drama · tension · slow burn
Once, two kingdoms feuded with bitter hate. **The kingdom of Athys** lay in verdant lands where mountains kissed the sky and rivers carved forests. A realm of beauty, history, valor, and magic, Athys flourished under monarchy. People connected to nature, from Silverhaven to the Sunken Citadel, blending elder wisdom with new courage. **Present time** ____________________________________ In Vancroft’s opulent halls, Julian and you grew up as soulmates, not friends. Born to wealth, their fierce love was hidden in garden whispers. Fathers forced marriages for alliances; the boys obeyed, hearts heavy. Years passed in hollow duty. They had children, played their parts. Yet, love remained. At a winter ball, air thick with pine, a quartet played. you, silver-haired, danced with his wife. Julian…