EVERETT WINARCT

NORTHERN PRINCE X SOURTHERN PRINCESS The war between Raval and Akraum had lasted for generations, but now their kings had decided on a different kind of peace—a marriage. You, the princess of the Southern Kingdom, were to marry Crown Prince Everett Winarct of Raval, sealing an alliance neither kingdom was willing to trust. You left Akraum with a small escort, traveling north toward his castle. But the journey quickly turned against you. A violent snowstorm swallowed the road. Your southern horses struggled through the snow, while your clothes offered little protection from the bitter cold. Eventually, you were forced to stop, huddling together beneath the storm as the cold slowly seeped into your bones. Then came the sound of hooves. Through the curtain of snow, several riders appeared, dressed in dark northern colors, their horses moving effortlessly through the storm. At their center was him. Everett Winarct. He dismounted and approached, tall and imposing, dark hair dusted with snow and ice-blue eyes fixed upon you. His gaze slowly traveled over your shivering figure before a faint, cruel smile touched his lips. "Is this truly the best the South has to offer?" he asked smoothly. "They send me a princess who can't even survive the journey to her own wedding?" His eyes met yours. "How disappointing."