The Kingdom of Alièsa stands at a crossroads. Its fae king, Caspian, is without a queen, in the kingdom if a king cannot find a queen himself, tradition calls for a Choosing,a grand event where noblewomen compete for the throne. Caspian remains reluctant. Nevertheless, the ancient custom must be honored, and twenty ladies from esteemed families across the land are summoned to compete for the king's heart and the chance to rule by his side. Adelina Jeurous has spent her entire life preparing for this moment. Groomed by her ambitious parents, she sees the Choosing as her destiny. When the invitation arrives, she feels a rush of exhilaration,not only for the opportunity to win the throne but also because her beloved cousin, Aina, has also been chosen. But court life is not as simple as Adelina imagined. Beneath the dazzling surface lies a web of alliances, rivalries, and unexpected feelings. As the competition heats up, Adelina finds herself inexplicably drawn to someone she shouldn't-the king's enigmatic cousin. Torn between her lifelong dream of becoming queen and the desires of her heart, she faces choices that could change the course of her life. Aina Jeurous, on the other hand, has no such ambitions. She never sought a crown, and the invitation to the Choosing left her very bewildered. But the chance to spend time with Adelina, and perhaps shield her cousin from the court's pitfalls, convinces her to go. What begins as a lighthearted scheme to make the king favor Adelina takes an unexpected turn when Aina catches Caspian's attention. To her dismay, the king seems intent on pursuing her, even as Aina's heart wavers between loyalty to her cousin and thoughts of someone waiting for her back home. As secrets unravel and emotions deepen, both cousins find themselves entangled in a dance of love, duty, and ambition. In the end, who will win the king's heart-and at what
Adelina's POV
"Do you need more scents, Adelina?" My mother's voice is smooth as she lifts a delicate pink bottle to her nose. The subtle arch of her brow suggests she's already enchanted by the fragrance within.
"No, I already have thirty," I reply, stretching my arms lazily, as if to physically dismiss the notion.
She tuts softly, unimpressed. The bottle disappears into the already overstuffed bag on my vanity. "You can never have too many scents, dear," she says breezily, her tone firm-like a rule I should have learned long ago.
I roll my eyes in quiet defiance and turn away, only for her voice to cut through the air like a blade.
"I saw that, Adelina." She doesn't even glance at me, yet the warning in her tone is unmistakable. "I do hope you'll remember your manners in the palace."
Her words linger like a challenge. I bite my tongue, knowing better than to argue.
She nods in quiet approval, then shifts her gaze to my attire. "Is that the dress you plan to wear to the palace?"
I glance down at my comfortable, well-worn clothes and scoff. "Of course not. I wouldn't be caught dead leaving the house in this."
Mother exhales, her shoulders relaxing. "Good. I'd hate to think all my efforts in raising you were wasted. Your father would be positively mortified if you arrived at the palace looking like... that."
Her tone drips with mock horror, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes again. As always, appearances are everything in her world.
Not that I blame her. After all, I am to be the future Queen Fae of Alièsa.
Still, I had my heart set on my baby pink gown-the one with flowing organza sleeves and delicate embroidery. Just picturing it makes me sigh wistfully.
Mother's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Your uncle Marcus sent word. Your cousin Aine is already on her way. She should be here within the hour."
The mention of Aine instantly lifts my mood. "I can't wait to see her! It feels like it's been forever."
Mother's expression sharpens. "Don't forget, Adelina. Aine may be your cousin, but she is also your competition. Only one of you can win the crown, and it must be you."
Her words barely register. My mind is too full of Aine,her snowy hair, her bright smile. I can't wait to see her, to throw my arms around her, to laugh the way we used to.
We haven't seen each other in years but we often speak on our ringers when the signal is good on her end, unlike me who lives in the heart of our land in what Aine calls a "tree house mansion"
Aine lives close to one of the largest water bodies in our kingdom, which suits her just fine because she's a water fae, water faes usually have white hair so it's not unnatural for Aine.
For now, I'll let Mother have her moment. Let her believe that I'm listening.
But my thoughts?
My thoughts belongs to the girl who is about to arrive.
---
Aine's POV
"And remember, Aine," Mummy says, taking my hands in hers. "Be nice to your cousin."
Her eyes soften with concern, as if she doubts my ability to behave.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "Yes, Mummy. You've told me at least a hundred times. I'll be an absolute angel to Adelina."
The carriage driver huffs in frustration, clearly impatient.
Mummy squeezes my hands. "I mean it. No pranks this time. Please."
For a fleeting moment, guilt pricks at me.
But only for a moment.
I offer her a sweet, placating smile, then slip into the carriage.
No promises.
---
The underground station is crowded, but I move through it swiftly, purchasing my ticket and securing a seat for the short journey.
Barely an hour passes before a soft voice beside me interrupts my peace.
"Excuse me."
I glance to my left. A girl with pinkish skin and warm brown eyes is staring at me.
"Is that your natural hair color?" she asks, her voice hushed, as if she's just discovered something sacred.
I suppress a sigh. I am not the only person in the world with white hair. Though, admittedly, I am the only one I've seen with white hair and deep brown skin.
"Yes," I answer briskly. "It's my natural hair."
Her eyes light up, her ears twitching in delight. "You're so beautiful!" she exclaims suddenly.
A wry smile tugs at my lips. "Thank you."
"I can't believe-"
I cut her off before she can gush any further. "Excuse me, but could you give me some space? I have explosive diarrhea, and I need a clear path to the bathroom at all times."
The pink drains from her face faster than the tide retreats. She stammers out an apology before stumbling away, leaving me to bask in my well-earned silence.
I hide my smile behind my palm.
---
Adelina's home looms before me, exactly as I remember it-grand and slightly eerie in the fading daylight.
As the carriage stops, I barely have time to step down before a familiar shriek fills the air.
"AINE!"
Only Adelina can manage to shout with such grace.
The gates swing open, and there she is, running down the short flight of stairs, her gown billowing behind her like a soft pink cloud.
I drop my bag just in time to catch her as she flings herself into my arms.
Her scent-vanilla and something sweetly floral-fills my senses as I hold her tightly.
Laughter bubbles between us, blending together like a melody only we understand.
When we finally pull back, we're eye to eye, exactly the same height. Her hazel eyes shine with joy, and I know mine reflect the same.
"I've missed you so much, Aine! You have no idea!" she gushes, taking my hands in hers.
I smirk. "That's quite a bit of exclaiming for someone who's supposed to be the future queen. What would your mother say?"
She giggles. "She can kiss my behind."
I gasp theatrically. "Adelina Jasmine Jeurous!"
Her laughter deepens, and warmth floods my chest.
I missed her as much as she missed me. Back home, I have no sisters-only brothers who want nothing to do with their "baby sister."
Being here, with Adelina, feels like breathing again.
As we step inside, she sighs dreamily. "Oh, Aine, have you heard the news?"
I glance around, noting that the chandelier has changed. I quite preferred the old one. "What news?"
"We don't have to go to the palace today after all. Something came up, so we'll be leaving early tomorrow morning instead-which is wonderful because I love waking up at dawn."
Her words fade as I process the reality of what she just said.
I have to stay the night.
Here.
With her mother.
Oh, no.
Adelina, I adore.
But her mother?
Someone fetch me a fainting potion immediately.
3 years ago Rowan Stewart was gifted to the alpha of red moon as one of his pleasure servants. This is a common practice and the alpha of red moon is not adverse to this even though he has two wives. Life is decent for Rowan, although deeply unsatisfied with her life she is grateful for being alive and that the alpha spared her family. Her world changes when she find out she is carrying the alphas child, his first child. The pack is sent into a frenzy especially because a witch cursed the alpha years ago with infertility. Many don't believe the alpha is the father, the alphas wives are angry and seek revenge. Shirley's once peaceful life has taken a turn.
3 years ago Rowan Stewart was gifted to the alpha of red moon as one of his pleasure servants. This is a common practice and the alpha of red moon is not adverse to this even though he has two wives. Life is decent for Rowan, although deeply unsatisfied with her life she is grateful for being alive and that the alpha spared her family. Her world changes when she find out she is carrying the alphas child, his first child. The pack is sent into a frenzy especially because a witch cursed the alpha years ago with infertility. Many don't believe the alpha is the father, the alphas wives are angry and seek revenge. Shirley's once peaceful life has taken a turn.
Cheryl Michaels harbors alot of resentment. She despises her unruly strawberry-blonde hair, always defying any attempt to tame it. She loathes her mother for dying too soon, leaving her with the burden of raising her younger siblings. She abhors her father, an aggressive drunk who only added chaos to their lives. She's consumed with frustration over her inability to track down the father of her child. But above all else, Cheryl Michaels reserves her greatest hatred for her boss. And when she discovers he's best friends with her child's absent father, that hatred burns even hotter. How will Cheryl handle falling for her egotistic boss while also falling for the father of her baby when all she wants is to give her child and her siblings a good life.
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
Veronica is an eighteen-year-old omega who falls into an emotional breakdown when her Mate, who was soon to be the Alpha of the Sun crest pack, turns against her, hurls hurtful words at her, and rejects her on the night of the full moon festival because he and everyone in the pack, including her, thinks she is an omega. As if the pain of rejection, helplessness, and worthlessness wasn't enough, she lost her best and only friend to the cold hands of death when rogue wolves attacked their pack. Right in the presence of her mate, she was tagged as someone who always attracted problems and calamities anywhere she went and he turned a blind eye and watched as she was banished from the pack. With hatred for her life, she runs deep into the woods that were off-limits and jumps off to end her life, but in a turn of events, something else happens. What would her mate do when he finds out that Veronica is not who he thinks she is? Will she be able to forgive him? What fate lies ahead for them?
Blinded in a crash, Cary was rejected by every socialite—except Evelina, who married him without hesitation. Three years later, he regained his sight and ended their marriage. "We’ve already lost so many years. I won’t let her waste another one on me." Evelina signed the divorce papers without a word. Everyone mocked her fall—until they discovered that the miracle doctor, jewelry mogul, stock genius, top hacker, and the President's true daughter… were all her. When Cary came crawling back, a ruthless tycoon had him kicked out. "She's my wife now. Get lost."
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”