In a kingdom where duty outweighs desire, Princess Vaeloria Seraphel is raised to become a queen who must place her crown above her heart. Desiderius Caelrun, born into a noble line sworn to protect the throne, is shaped into a knight defined by silence, loyalty, and restraint. When they first meet beneath falling snow, neither yet understands the bond quietly forming between them-or how deeply it will come to shape their futures. But as years pass and the weight of politics, expectation, and a fated union begin to pull them apart, they are forced to confront a love that cannot survive openly, yet refuses to disappear. Some loves are never spoken aloud. Some are chosen too late. And some are remembered for a lifetime.

Alessia Sorento, 26, is a hopeless romantic who is the boss of the Italian mafia. She is a very intimidating person but is soft only with people she is close with. Her enemies and people who don't know her also fear her. Alessia meets Lily DeLuca, 24, a pure soul, unaware of the dangers that surround her. They meet at an art gallery that the Sorentos own, but as Lily doesn't know the owner she tries to make a conversation in broken Italian with Alessia. This interaction turns into a very interesting one as Lily becomes intrigued by the very handsome-looking woman. ---- Lily blushed, "I was trying to impress you with my Italian. Guess I need more lessons." Alessia chuckled, "Your attempt was adorable, if not accurate. But hey, if you ever want lessons, I'd be happy to help." ---