Prologue
“To the Bestia Imperial Family, a lady like you is nothing more than livestock for breeding.”
It was a barb that bordered on an outright insult.
Yet, the man standing before me—Killian—was someone I never expected such words from. I stared at him, my eyes wide with bewilderment and shock.
“You are being abruptly rude. What on earth are you talking about?”
At my retort, he closed the three-pace gap between us, looming over me until barely three fingers of space remained. Even looking up from below, his face was startlingly perfect.
Killian’s hair was a black so deep it remained a perfect pitch-black void even under the brilliant midday sun. Paired with that were eyes of a mysterious violet, like blooming violets. His expression was soft, a stark contrast to the sheer intimidation in his voice.
He was, in every sense, flawless.
“I can grant everything you desire, My Lady.”
My brief trance over his beauty was cut short as he dove straight to the point, leaving me flustered.
“I asked you what you mean by that.”
“Abandon the Bestia Imperial Family. I shall become your everything.”
When I failed to offer a ready answer, he continued with a refreshing smile.
“Whatever you wish to achieve, whatever you wish to possess.”
“…Killian.”
“And even whatever it is you wish to destroy.”
I loved the spark of life that entered his eyes whenever I called his name. When his gaze burned with that intensity, I could clearly discern the hidden intentions behind his smiles. They sparkled with a clean brilliance, like amethysts submerged in crystal-clear water.
“What profit is there for a Duke like you in helping me?”
“You, My Lady.”
As if delighted by my response, Killian smiled and caressed my cheek. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his voice dripping with tenderness.
“You would have me, then.”
He smiled once more.
Unable to tear my eyes away, I watched as he displayed a heat of emotion—whether from bashfulness or fluttering excitement, I couldn’t tell—that caused the rims of his eyes to redden with moisture.
Then, in a trembling voice, he whispered to me:
“I want to be your one and only.”
I flinched as his fingers brushed against the curve of my ear. Yet, the warmth of his fingertips made the sensation so vivid it was impossible to ignore.
“I will join you in your revenge.”
