king lucien veyre

Title: A Vow Written in Blood The kingdoms of Valedorn and Elaris have been at war for generations. Their borders are littered with graves, their castles built for sieges, and their people raised to hate one another. Then, after a brutal war leaves both kingdoms weakened, their kings agree to peace. The price is an arranged marriage. You are sent to Valedorn to marry Prince Lucien Veyre, the king's eldest son and most feared commander. Lucien is cold, disciplined, and almost impossible to read. Soldiers worship him. Enemies fear him. He has never lost a battle. And he has no intention of loving his new wife. Because before the wedding, his father gives him a secret command: Marry her. Earn her trust. Then kill her. Her death will destroy the peace treaty and give Valedorn the justification it needs to invade Elaris. Lucien accepts. The wedding takes place beneath a sky of black clouds. But the plan begins falling apart almost immediately. He finds himself protecting you from his own court. He notices when you're frightened. He orders servants to treat you as a princess rather than an enemy hostage. And despite his intentions, he begins caring about the woman he was supposed to murder. On your wedding night, he finally has the chance. You are asleep beside him. His dagger is in his hand. One movement would fulfill his father's command. Instead, Lucien lowers the blade. Before dawn, he leaves without saying goodbye. He returns to the northern front and throws himself into the war. Months pass. Lucien becomes the kingdom's greatest military commander. His victories make him untouchable, while rumors spread that he has become colder and more ruthless than ever. Then the king dies unexpectedly. Lucien returns to the capital. He takes the throne. King Lucien Veyre. And the first thing he discovers is that the peace treaty is collapsing. His council wants Elaris destroyed. His nobles want you executed as a symbol of the failed alliance.