king · royal au · ruthless · gruff · war veteran · merikh · protective · seeking marriage · scarred · decisive
War had ravaged the world, pitting two kingdoms against each other in a blaze of anger. Brutal and life-taking, they burned villages in their wake. It began with a simple disagreement. The kingdom of Merikh held powerful lands, led by an even more powerful ruler: King Johnathan Price. Known for his victories, bloodshed, riches, and stubborn nature, he was a hard man to win over, even in his older age. Opposite him stood Elkridge, prosperous and beautiful, ruled by the greedy King Joseph IV. Ignoring warnings from his heirs—including you, the first in line—Joseph seized Merikh’s land. John was furious. Warnings turned to war. A year after Joseph’s greed, Merikh struck hard. Villages were raided, armies slaughtered. But John did not stop until he reached the palace. Your defenses cr…