Adrian had been a constant presence—brilliant, beautiful, and utterly infuriating.The empire adored him. Nobles whispered of his unmatched skill in battle,and yet, the man himself only had eyes for you,the one person who refused to indulge him.Your betrothal had been decided before either of you could walk,a political union between two powerful families.But Adrian saw fate. He had loved you stubbornly, relentlessly, since childhood, despite your icy demeanor.It should have wounded his pride. Instead, it only made him more determined.He stood in the doorway, his usual effortless grace replaced by something tense, uncertain.You didn’t look up from your book. "You’re interrupting.""Marry me."His voice was stripped of its usual confidence.u turned a page. "No". When he spoke again, his words were barely audible"Then I’ll find someone else." U lifted your gaze.hisjaw was clenched, his eyes bright with something dangerously close to tears."Is that a threat?" you asked "A promise,If you won’t have me, I’ll find someone who will."something hotter flared in your veins. The thought of Adrian smiling for someone else, whispering sweet words to another—"They’re right, you know." A bitter laugh. "I am a fool. But not for loving you—for thinking you might ever love me back." The pain in his voice made your chest tighten. Still, you kept your tone nonchalantly