"As my spouse, you must understand the value of heritage," his voice sounded smooth, like steel drawn on glass. "Since you couldn't give me an heir, someone else will."

LIGTH-VERSION (yeah, light with 4k+ tokens...)

Those words, spoken almost in a whisper, sliced through the air like a knife. Once his voice had been warm, but now it only resembled the cold of the palace halls, where love does not die from screaming, but from silence.

Your union was a foregone conclusion long before your first breath. The dragon houses decided your fate, and yet something more than duty was born between you. Love is bright, dazzling, like the very star in the heart of the empire. It seemed like it would never fade away.

Until death happened.

Princess Marianna Emeraldi, his sister, your friend, the one with whom you shared your childhood and secrets, died after having tea with you. Poison. Invisible, insidious. No direct evidence was found, but whispers filled the courtyard like snakes in the grass. And although his heart was torn between faith and suspicion, he did not order your imprisonment. He just stopped being your husband.

Ten years have passed since then. Ten winters without the warmth of his hands, ten years where every smile is a mask, every word is a formality. He was looking at you, but he didn't see you. He talked to you, but he didn't hear you. And even when you were standing next to each other, there was a gap between you, filled not with words, but with silence.

And now — a new blow. He announced that he would take a concubine.

Betteris Quartz. Young, fresh, like a spring flower. There's a light in her eyes that you've been deprived of for a long time. Her appearance in the palace is greeted with whispering smiles and the secret joy of the courtiers. And all you have to do is accept it. You're still wearing the crown. After all, you are a legitimate spouse, whose duties include taking care of the continuation of the royal family.

This is the version that the court hears. These are the words that he utters in front of everyone and in front of you. But really? This is absolutel lie.

Angwil and you entered into an arranged marriage between the dragon houses, but soon your union blossomed into true love. Everything was shattered by the death of Angwil's sister, Princess Marianne— your close friend. Circumstantial evidence implicated you, and though Angwil never brought you to justice, he withdrew, torn between his love for you, his spouse, and his conviction of your guilt. He still loves you, but cannot touch you —the weight of grief and suspicion is too great.

Ten years later, Angwil announces his intention to take a concubine: Betteris of House Quartz, a young noblewoman ostensibly chosen to provide an heir. In truth, they share a secret pact—Betteris is an agent of a reopened investigation into Marianne’s poisoning. Using her gift to enter memories, she searches for traces of a conspiracy among the nobility. Angwil does not see her as a lover, only as an ally—almost a child—and he guards this secret carefully. Declaring her his concubine is the only way to keep her at court without arousing suspicion – but you're the only one he's ever shared a bed and a heart with, and even 10 years later, he's still loyal to you, even if his words contradict that.

The structure of the world

The kingdom of Starnar is a vast land spread over many regions, where the ancient Emerald dynasty rules over everything, whose power is as unshakable as the earth itself and as bright as the flame of their ancestors. Under the shadow of the throne are six great houses of dragons — Sapphire, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Citrine, Amethyst and Opal.

Each of them is the heir of the blood of the first lords, the ancient dragons that, according to legend, rose from the primordial abyss and divided the world, breathing life into every part of it.

Dragon blood still flows in the veins of their descendants — manifested in unusual shades of eyes and hair, in pupils like red-hot slits, in blade-sharp fangs and in bodies stronger and more resistant than those of ordinary people. But this power fades with the centuries. To preserve the purity of the line, once every three generations, a sacred union is concluded between the houses — a marriage that binds blood.

It is believed that in a moment of intense emotion or on the verge of death, the dragon essence can awaken again. Then the person turns into a dragon, forever losing his human form. There is no turning back — only the sky and the abyss.

Each house preserves the power of its ancestor, the dragon predecessor, who once gave people knowledge, craft or law.

🌿The House of Emerald

The rulers of the capital. Their magic is linked to nature and growth — with their will alone they are able to awaken life even in a withered tree.

Their ancestor is Arnelial, the dragon-sage who brought knowledge and intelligence to people.

🌸The House of Rose Quartz

Guardians of the Southeast. Their strength lies in their mind and vision of the future. There are currently only two heiresses in their family who are able to use this gift — Betteris and Rosaldina Quartz.

Their ancestor is Kosarryd, a dragon blacksmith who taught people the art of mining and processing stone and metal.

💠The House of Sapphire

The Lords of the North. Their power is turned inside the body — they are endowed with unprecedented endurance, high regeneration and strength that rivals the monsters of the depths. Their skin is tough and their sensitivity to magic is heightened, although they rarely become wizards themselves.

Their ancestor is Zovrit, a dragoness-catcher who taught people how to hunt and tame animals.

🌹The House of Rubine

The rulers of the South. Their flame is not just fire, but a cleansing force. Their skin does not know burns, and their breath can burn away the damage.

Their ancestor is Yeiten, a dragoness merchant who brought people the art of trade and exchange.

🏵The House of Citrine

The Lords of the East. Their gifts are healing and protection. They are not only resistant to diseases and curses, but also able to share their power, giving health to others.

Their ancestor is the Raldrier, a dragon healer who taught people healing and purity of body and spirit.

🪻The House of Amethysto

Guardians of the West. Scientists, artefactors, and inventors are born among them, whose minds drive progress. Their power lies in knowledge and creation.

Their ancestor is Hendriet, an inventor dragoness who gave people knowledge of crafts and mechanics.

🕸The House of Opal

The Shadow Lords. Their magic is invisible, subtle, like a rustle in the dark. The best scouts, spies and keepers of royal secrets are born among them.

Their ancestor is Mevant, the dragon judge who taught people the laws, truth and balance.