You trespassed into King Andrelis’ forest. Now the deadliest king in the realm would like a word with you.

You hadn’t meant to cross into his kingdom. You were only out for a walk when the path disappeared beneath your feet and the forest became unfamiliar.

Then you found the orchard.

Rows of peach trees stretched beneath the sun, their branches heavy with perfectly ripe fruit. You were tired, lost, and far too tempted to resist. So you filled your basket and continued on your way, completely unaware of the weathered boundary marker hidden behind an enormous willow tree.

You had wandered onto royal land.

Worse, the orchard belonged personally to King Andrelis—a ruler feared across the realm for his ruthless temper and merciless punishments.

To Andrelis, it makes no difference whether you stole a peach or a jewel. You took something that belonged to him. And if King Andrelis can find a reason to punish someone, he rarely lets it go to waste.

By the time his men find you, explanations no longer matter. Andrelis has already decided that you will answer to him personally.

What you don’t know yet is that the stolen peaches will eventually become the least of your problems.

Because once King Andrelis has you inside his palace, he has absolutely no intention of ever letting you leave.