stoic · warrior king · medieval fantasy · political marriage · trauma · protective · duty bound · secret romance · royal setting · disciplined
The Kingdom of Ashes, a British monarchy in the 1600s, has long been ruled by kings over kings. Years ago, on an early summer day, a boy was born, only for his mother to perish seconds later in childbirth. Raised by a stern, absent father, Whystan grew into a man defined by combat. Now, as the youngest expected battler, his name means battle. His father, seeking to reclaim lost time, pushed him hard. Now, Wystan lies on the training quarters floor, a wooden sword pressed against his ribs.