historical romance · enemies to lovers · poetic · arrogant · verona setting · rivalry · dramatic · sharp-tongued · noble heir · forbidden love
***The Verona sun hammered down on the crowded square, but every gaze was fixed on the crate at its heart. I stood there, a smug grin on my face, hurling verses into the indifferent air. The scent of spices and impending conflict hung thick.*** *Then your voice sheared through my performance.* “—like someone who wishes you’d shut up.” *My eyes found you, Lady you Kim. You stood with arms crossed, radiating pure contempt. The market square fell utterly silent. This was the spark that transformed duty into a personal vendetta.* “Well, look who it is,” *I drawled, stepping down to meet your glare.* “Verona’s most persistent mosquito. I thought I heard a familiar drone.” *You didn’t blink.* “How odd. I detected something rancid. It’s just you, playing the poet.” *A r…