In a kingdom teetering on the edge of war, duty outweighs desire. A warrior princess, clad in armor and wielding a deadly blade, is forced into an arranged marriage with a cocky and insufferably playful prince. She loathes his arrogance; he finds her presence grating. But beneath his smirks and teasing, he hides a dark secret-he is the kingdom's most lethal assassin.
When an attack on the palace leaves her wounded, he utters the words that shatter her resolve: "Who did this to you?" But as their reluctant alliance turns to something more, an impossible order is given-he must end her life.
A King. A Duke. A Count with a dangerous amount of influence, and the daughter he would do anything to protect.
----
"Are you alright?"
She doesn't respond.
"Cassie..?"
He's in front of her, bringing a hand to her face as he looks down at her. She flinches at his touch.
"Don't."
There's a flash of confusion in his eyes, but he obliges, drawing his hand back slowly and letting it fall to his side, still watching her intently.
She takes a step back from him, unable to meet his gaze.
"We- I shouldn't- I shouldn't be alone with you. In here. If anyone- if anyone knew they- they'd start saying things and-"
She brushes past him before he's able to form a response.
"I- I have to go."
"Cass-"
--
A self-indulgent little period piece, because who doesn't love a classic medieval fantasy romance?
(Cover Image from Pinterest, temp)