ReiRox4
The empire wanted a princess. The Emperor noticed the problem.
Rivena Ferhalis was never meant to be chosen.
She is the king's inconvenient niece: half-human, half-Fergha, too sharp for courtly manners, too restless for silk cages, and far too fond of daggers for anyone's peace of mind.
Her cousin, Princess Liora, is everything a kingdom could offer an immortal Emperor: beautiful, gentle, obedient, and born to be sacrificed politely.
When Vaelor Veyrath arrives at Elyrven Court under the ancient Star-Bond Edict, the palace learns what fear looks like when it wears a crown.
He is beautiful. Cruel. Ancient. Bored by obedience and amused by terror.
Rivena should stay silent.
She does not.
One reckless insult becomes a glance. One glance becomes a game. One game becomes something far more dangerous than either of them is willing to name.
But beneath the court's golden ceremonies, rebellion is already moving. Kingdoms whisper treason behind jeweled hands. Blood is spilled in the name of freedom. And when rebel fire tears through Elyrven Court, Rivena discovers that the Star-Bond may not be as simple, merciful, or obedient as anyone believed.
Especially not when it begins to answer her.
Because the Emperor may rule the stars.
But Rivena Ferhalis has never been good at kneeling.
Content Warnings:
Dark romantasy themes, violence, blood, kidnapping, captivity, torture references, executions, emotional manipulation, forced marriage, coercive magical bond, power imbalance, sexual harassment, attempted sexual assault, trauma responses, grief, possessive behavior, and mature romantic/sexual content.