Twenty-one years ago, Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, forged a path to Earth while in mourning of her lover, Valentine. The world believed her mission was driven by love, but as she returns two decades later, her true motives remain questionably curious. Reclaiming the mortal Order of Valentine, Iris manipulates Kendi, the daughter of the Order's original leader, into joining her cause. Torn between love, duty, and self-discovery, Kendi must navigate a web of deceit, where nothing is as it seems.
As the Order races to uncover the hidden underworld and resurrect Valentine, a dangerous game unfolds. Caught between her past with Cain, a former lover, and the manipulations of Vianney, a satyr with his own agenda, Kendi finds herself questioning her choices and the true purpose of Iris' mission. Unbeknownst to them all, Iris harbors a dark secret-one that could unravel the very fabric of fate itself.
With time running out before the last Valentine's Day, the Order must confront treacherous foes, including the vengeful Weavers and the gorgon-lead fraternity. As the lines between love and revenge blur, Kendi must decide: will she be a pawn in Iris's twisted game, or will she seize control of her destiny?
In a tale of love, betrayal, and the ultimate battle for power, who will emerge victorious? And when Valentine finally returns, will he be the savior-or the undoing-of them all?
The pairing is supposed to give you your perfect partner. A divinely chosen ordained pair.
Most nobles forced into the pairing end up matched with a commoner and disowned by their families. Emmeline had come to accept this.
The neglected youngest daughter of an overly ambitious father, she had accepted trading her life of luxury for a chance to finally be loved.
However, everything goes wrong when she is paired, not with a commoner, but Cassius Marcellus. The nephew of the King and sole heir to the powerful Marcellus duchy, who was forced into the pairing to show royal support for the ancient ritual.
Emmeline quickly throws Cassius and his parents' plans into chaos when she refuses to be quietly discarded. She was promised a perfect partner who would love her, and that is what is going to get.
................................
Cassius opened his eyes slowly, his nose still only inches from her's. "Emmie." He slowed her worrying, reaching up to press a rough palm to her cheek. "It's fine." She waited a few seconds to check he meant it, before kissing him again. She moved slowly, as if wanting permission as she lifted one hand up to rest on his good shoulder. He chuckled, meeting her lips and humming happily against her mouth.
"I love you too." She finally admitted between kisses.
Cassius paused, pulling back to see her fully. "You mean it?"
Emmeline nodded, suddenly embarrassed. His answering smile was triumphant. "I will make you the happiest grand duchess this kingdom has ever seen." He vowed, kissed her hard before she could reply.