soybean
The Golden Nation of But-Uan has always been feared.
Not because of war.
But because of what it hides.
When Princess Liraya is sent to the Lotus Kingdom for an arranged marriage, a dangerous lie travels with her: the woman behind the veil is not the real princess at all.
Hidden beneath the identity of a servant, Liraya tries to outrun the curse sleeping inside her - until the king's brother begins watching her too closely.
Prince Hwanryeong was raised to uncover weakness.
What he finds instead is something far more dangerous:
a girl carrying the kind of darkness that could destroy kingdoms... and him along with it.
DISCLAIMER:
This story is a work of fiction inspired by various Southeast Asian and East Asian aesthetics, cultures, and historical influences. While certain elements may resemble Filipino, Korean, or other cultural traditions, all kingdoms, royal houses, spiritual beliefs, political systems, rituals, creatures, and historical events portrayed in this novel are entirely fictional and created solely for storytelling purposes.
This work does not intend to accurately represent, reinterpret, or disrespect any real-life culture, religion, indigenous belief system, historical figure, or nation.
The kingdoms of But-Uan and Haedong, including their customs, mythology, languages, political structures, and spiritual concepts, are fictional settings created from imaginative worldbuilding.
Reader discretion is advised as this story contains themes of war, political conflict, violence, death, trauma, and dark fantasy elements.