odelaeggitse
In Aureliane, the crown passes from mother to daughter. It always has.
Princess Valenya Vaelis was raised knowing exactly what would be asked of her. To listen before she speaks. To place the kingdom above herself. To choose duty, even when it costs her something she cannot replace. She does not resent this life. She understands it.
Caius Ironbound has stood at her side for years. Masked. Silent. Watching. He is sworn to protect the Crown, not the woman who wears it - and he has never once crossed that line. He speaks rarely, touches only when necessary, and keeps his distance even when it hurts.
When a prince from Morvayne arrives with a proposal meant to secure peace, Valenya is forced to consider a future she never wanted to imagine. One that would protect her people and break something sacred in the process.
If duty demands everything... what, if anything, is she allowed to keep for herself?
Ranking - 16/01/2026
#29 - loyalty (out of 9.54K stories)
Other Rankings
#9 - unspokenlove (out of 1.57K stories)
#21 - mutualpining (out of 1.9K stories)
#4 - bodyguardromance (out of 214 stories)
#3 - knightxprincess (out of 138 stories)
#3 - dutyvsdesire (out of 40 stories)
#1 - honorbound (out of 12 stories)
#14 - politicalintrigue (out of 749 stories)
#18 - protectivehero (out of 640 stories)
#137 - forbiddenlove (out of 35.5K stories)
#235 - strongfemalelead (out of 18.5K stories)