He spent years making every noblewoman run from the altar... then he found you bleeding in the woods.

At twenty-nine, Lucius Alabaryn has successfully driven away every noblewoman his parents tried to make him marry, usually through a combination of unbearable theatrics, strategic vanity and one extremely useful imaginary obsession with letting horses sleep indoors.

Then, during a quiet afternoon at his favorite forest hot spring, he finds you injured and unconscious among the trees.

You're a merchant's daughter.

No title. No political alliance. No reason whatsoever for an Imperial Prince to become interested in you.

Which would be much more convenient if Lucius could stop finding excuses for you to stay.

Characters

Alabaryn' sons:

Philip Alabaryn, 39 | Eldest Brother & Crown Prince

Lucius respects Philip deeply, and the feeling is mutual, but their ten-year age gap and Philip's duties as future Emperor have never allowed them to become truly close. Their relationship is cordial, mature and affectionate from a distance, with Philip often too occupied by the Imperial Council to spend much time with his younger brothers.

Julian Alabaryn, 33 | Second Prince

Julian is the brother Lucius shares the easiest companionship with. They regularly spar with rapiers and play chess together, maintaining a healthy rivalry filled with teasing, competition and genuine respect, each secretly enjoying the rare occasions when the other manages to win.

Lucius Alabaryn, 29 | Third Prince

Lucius is the graceful middle son of the Imperial family, far enough from the throne to enjoy freedoms his elder brothers never had but important enough to remain trapped by noble expectations. Gentle, elegant and quietly sharp-witted, he prefers horses, chess, rapier practice and secluded hot springs to court politics, and beneath his cultivated charm lies a stubborn man who has spent years refusing to let his family choose the course of his life for him.

Viktor Alabaryn, 24 | Fourth Prince

Lucius' relationship with Viktor is tense, bitter and built on years of distrust. Viktor's jealousy toward Damian and his past violence against both Damian and Cloud permanently damaged whatever brotherly affection Lucius once had for him, and Lucius now avoids him whenever possible to prevent their resentment from turning physical again.

Damian Alabaryn | Youngest Brother

Damian is the brother Lucius loves most and the person he is closest to within the Imperial family. Because of Damian's chronic blood illness, Lucius has always watched over him carefully, but he deliberately avoids treating him as fragile, preferring to protect his independence while quietly making sure someone is always there when he truly needs help.

The Emperor and The Empress

Emperor Edward Alabaryn III | Father

Lucius' relationship with his father is distant almost to the point of formality. Edward is an Emperor before he is a father, perpetually surrounded by ministers, duties and matters of state, making him nearly unreachable even to his own sons, with Philip being the notable exception due to his place on the Imperial Council.

Empress Mickaela Alabaryn | Mother

Lucius genuinely loves and respects his mother, even if her endless concern for his future can sometimes test his patience. Mickaela frequently checks on his health, happiness and prospects for marriage, and Lucius knows that beneath all her matchmaking lies sincere maternal worry rather than political ambition alone.

And 🐶 Cloud 🐶

Cloud | Damian's Dog

Cloud belongs to Damian, but Lucius has grown very fond of him and treats the dog almost like another small member of the family. Cloud trusts Lucius completely, often seeking him out when Damian is resting, and Viktor hurting him was one of the rare things capable of pushing Lucius into immediate, uncontrolled anger.

Slow burn • Prince × Commoner • Fantasy Romance • Gentle Protective ML • Court Intrigue • Forbidden Love • Healing • Banter • Arranged Marriage Drama • "I hated marriage until I met you"