The Young Master Bride

The war between humans, witches, vampires, and dragons was over before it even began. Humans never stood a chance. Now, they are nothing more than slaves—property to be used, discarded, or worse. But power alone does not determine freedom. Even among vampires, witches, and wolves, those born powerless are treated no better than slaves, exploited for resources, labor, and pleasure. The supernatural races live in separate realms, divided by their own rules and hierarchies, but soon, all may collide. In Goden Arc, one of the twelve packs that serve as the home of the wolves, Olivia is born mute—a disgrace to her father, one of the strongest Betas. Hated by her mother, tormented by her brother, she endures years of abuse—until her eighteenth birthday, when she finally dares to dream of escape. She flees to the Mating Cave, hoping to find her fated mate and a chance at freedom. But instead, her scent ignites a frenzy, drawing in every male wolf in the cave. That is when she learns the horrifying truth—she is a Stealer Wolf, the last of a cursed bloodline of venomous seductresses, wiped out by former Alphas for their unnatural ability to lure and enslave both men and women. Weakened, mute, and now feared as something monstrous, Olivia’s fate grows even darker when she discovers that her mate is none other than the Alpha himself. Though he saves her from the wolves, he refuses to accept her as his Luna. To him, she is unworthy. Instead, he makes her his slave, forcing her into brutal training to prove her worth—or die trying. But when Olivia’s heart begins to glow and she starts to hear a voice whispering, *"They are coming,"* she realizes that the nightmare of her past is nothing compared to what lies ahead. Meanwhile, in Glazon, the land of witches, Alita, the daughter of a village chief, faces her own curse. Wolves and witches have always been enemies, yet fangs meant only for wolves emerge every time her heart glows. If anyone finds out, she will be executed. But when she saves a mysterious man with a dragon tattoo, her fate takes a turn she never expected—one that could unravel everything she thought she knew about herself and her world. Betrayal. Secrets. Lies. Kingdoms at war. Politics. Love. Passion. Power. Family. This is a story unlike anything you’ve read before—each chapter will leave you breathless and begging for more.

Book 1 in the planned trilogy The Girl Who Sang to the Engine. In a parallel reality where humanity thrives on Ether-a mysterious energy derived from the alien element Anonium-progress comes at a hidden cost. Unbeknownst to society, their reliance on Ether awakens a cosmic Eldritch machine known only as the Engine, whose cryptic motives remain shrouded in static and whispers. Amid this unraveling world, two high school girls emerge as unlikely players in a cosmic game they don't yet understand. Rachel Harper, captain of her basketball team, discovers she has the ability to manipulate time-but each use leaves behind faint traces of static, distorting her reflection and eroding her sense of self. Her best friend, Emily Voss , foresees fragments of alternate lives-all ending tragically-and fears she's next. Together, they stumble upon clues linking their fates to the Engine, though neither understands why. Haunted P.I.A. agent Elijah Carter arrives in Corwood, Tennessee, tasked with investigating reports of anomalies tied to the town's new reactor. A seasoned tracker with the rare ability to see residual echoes of paranormal events, Elijah quickly realizes he's dealing with something far beyond his usual assignments. Meanwhile, drug lord Dezerea Hernandez floods the streets with Gloom, a substance transforming users into static-ridden husks called Hollows to flush out a threat to humanity. As Rachel grapples with her growing bond to the Engine, she risks losing herself to its cold logic. Meanwhile, Emily battles insomnia and visions of her own deaths, desperate to break free from fate's cruel grip. With the Engine's awakening imminent, humanity stands on the brink of collapse-or rebirth. But can two teenage girls rewrite fate before time runs out? Warning: This book is a Meta Cosmic Horror Trilogy, contains violence, psychologically disturbing images, heavy foreshadowing, red herrings, fourth wall breaks.

He was a Martial Arts prodigy, a master of using poisons! He descended the mountain to search for his junior sister but unexpectedly became the School Beauty's bodyguard… From then on, a demon-like student was born! He pursued the School Beauty, took down bullies, and was revered as the supreme ruler of the city! He cultivated Ancient Martial Arts, annihilated formidable enemies, and swept across all directions to ascend to the Peak.

His fiancée, whom he had never met, had just broken off their engagement. He's then betrayed by his girlfriend and schemed against by her lover. His mother's legacy awakens him. No longer content with mediocrity, he transforms into a dragon overnight.

[Warning: Mature Content] Raiden von Heliosbane is a young master from a prestigious family of sorcerers in an evolved Modern world. Initially, he was an ordinary corporate slave on Earth until the infamous Truck-kun arrived and transported him to a new world as a baby. Raised with excessive love and attention, Raiden grew into a carefree and mischievous young man. Despite his upbringing, he faced a significant challenge—he was unable to awaken the magical potential within him. However, on his 20th birthday, he unexpectedly awakened two unique skills that propelled him to become the strongest and most notorious young master with a mischievous flair. (Content Advisory: This narrative contains mature themes, including intense violence, incest, and yuri elements. It is crafted specifically for readers who are comfortable with and can appreciate such complex themes. If you are under the legal age or find these elements unsettling, it is advised to discontinue reading.) (Cover Image: Ai-Generated)

When her meticulously crafted marriage to Elijah Rossi shatters on her wedding night with a brutal revelation: "There is no us, Imogen. There never was." Imogen is abandoned by her husband and further faces an even crueler twist when her husband refuses a divorce. With the arrival of Isaac Rossi, Elijah's revenge-driven half brother, Imogen strikes a clandestine deal with her brother-in-law to navigate a dangerous game of deceit, seeking to outmaneuver her indifferent husband. As loyalties are tested, Imogen must decide which brother is right for her. The one she was made for or the one she burns for.

My name is Caelum Nybane. And I woke up to a world that wasn’t mine. The last thing I remembered was fighting some kid—nothing special, just another brawl. Except this time, he fought back. I don't even remember the hit that knocked me down, only the sound of my skull slamming into the pavement… and then, nothing. When I finally opened my eyes again, everything was different. Memories that weren’t mine tangled with my own. A past I had never lived crashed into me all at once. That’s when I realized two things. One: I had somehow been thrown into a world I knew far too well. Two: I was not just some background character. I was one of the two true protagonists of this world. But to everyone else, I was the villain. Not a mastermind, not a tragic antihero—no. I was the useless, insufferable stepping stone. A privileged, arrogant young master doomed to failure. The kind of guy people wanted to punch in the face. The one who strutted around like he owned the world, only to be crushed by the other protagonist. And that protagonist? The one destined to save this world? Yeah. It was the guy who put me in a coma. The same kid I’d spent years tormenting was fated to be the hero of this story. A story set in a world teetering on the brink of collapse—raging wars, lurking calamities, a future spiraling toward destruction. And at the very end of it all, waiting like an executioner at the finish line, was the Spirit King, the final, unstoppable boss. But that was the end. Right now, I had to survive the beginning. Could I change a fate carved in stone? Could I fight back in a game where I was meant to lose? "...Yeah, no. Screw that." I wasn’t going to sit around and wait to be humiliated. If the game was rigged, I’d just break the system. "If fate won’t let me win, then I’ll just rewrite the damn rules." …But I soon learned that fate doesn’t like being rewritten. And the cost of changing destiny was far higher than I ever imagined.

After dying from betrayal, Thomas reincarnates as Jolthar Kaelzhar, the neglected son of a powerful clan, just after his brothers kill him. With Jolthar's memories and the blessing of Qalena, Thomas vows to rise from his lowly position and claim power in his new life.

Jasmine is the first daughter of the great Alpha Bale. Because of her status as a bastard child, she lives a life maltreated scrubbing floors and attending to the needs of her father, step mother, step siblings and the entire pack. But her life makes a drastic turn when she is switched in place for her father’s legitimate daughter to be married off to the Handsome and Cold hearted Alpha Xaden. Xaden is determined to punish Jasmine for the sins of her father who had massacred his entire family, even though she is nothing like her father. Hate slowly turns to desire, fierce passion and finally love. But what happens when Xaden discovers that Jasmine, was planted as a spy to bring his downfall and was not in fact the original princess he was promised to? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Let this be a lesson to everyone. Royal or not, Alpha or Omega," He declares. "You will steer clear of what is mine. In my own territory. In my pack." With that, he tosses the bloodied arm aside and takes Jasmine away from their shocked gaze.

Leyla, a sarcastic lawyer, unexpectedly becomes trapped in a magical world of yokai beings after signing a marriage contract with the mysterious prince Naru. To free herself, she must find a stolen artifact, but as they investigate, something strong grows between them, and the magic surrounding them threatens to change everything. Will their romance become the key to salvation, or will it forever seal their fates?

-Op Mc? Yes! -Daughter? Yes! -Multiple worlds? Yes! -Vast Lore? Yes! -Fastpace? Yes! ... "You either Die a Villain or Live long enough to see yourself as a Hero." ~Probably Spark --------------------------------------- Spark, the lofty young master of the Dwight family, had always been a mystery. His true abilities were never known until the day he stepped onto the frontlines. In one awe-inspiring exhibition of power, Spark shocked the world and sent the coalition army of the five emperors into a chaotic retreat. Now, with the eyes of the world on him, each faction lusted to uncover the secrets behind his unparalleled strength. Still, in spite of the rampant curiosity and greed, nobody had the guts to confront him directly. And with every rumor spread of his feats, a question burned in every mind: was Spark this powerful all this time, or was he casting an illusion of strength before everybody's eyes?

Ibrahim Rahman, a notorious mafia boss in the hearts of Kuala Lumpur. In the underground world, his influence extended into the darkest corners of the city. At the age of 35, he was feared and respected, a man who commanded loyalty and never took 'no' for an answer. On the other hand, Ava Lim, a 23-year-old University student, is a world away from his dark realm. She is a shy and innocent girl. Their paths converged at a wedding. Ibrahim's eyes locked onto Ava from the moment she stepped into the wedding. From that instant, he knew that he wanted her, and he was determined to make her his, no matter the cost. As the days turned into weeks, Ava couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, the eerie sensation that someone was tracking her every move. Her world was rapidly changing, and she had no idea why. She was blissfully unaware of the darkness that lurked in the shadows, the world she was about to be thrust into. One fateful night, Ibrahim orchestrated her kidnapping from the quiet neighborhood she called home. Will Ibrahim make Ava fall in love with him or Ava will try to to choose the path of revenge?

The King of Galbore made a promise that the hero who ends the worst war of the century will marry his daughter. He did not expect that the hero will be Prince Cassian from a foreign kingdom which he never got along with. Trying to keep the promise to upkeep his reputation, he lets the prince marry the child from his first marriage instead of his gem. What the king did not realise was that the prince knew of his scheme and he intentionally went ahead with the marriage with the forsaken princess. Moreover, Cassian has an unexpected history with Princess Isabelle. But she does not seem to remember him… Isabelle posed as her sister Adeline during the wedding and thereafter, hoping to save her father and kingdom she learns how to be a princess she should be, facing the challenges along the way and many heartbreaks.

Astraea is banished from the underworld and sent to the human world after being falsely accused of murder. After being sent to live among humans, whom she loathes, she encounters a human who would turn out to be her saving grace in ways that she couldn't even begin to imagine. *** Zephyra has always had a hard life. Born to an abusive father and a weak mother, she has spent her entire life fighting for herself and believing that no one was going to save her, until one day, Astraea shows up, and Zephyra finally feels like she finally met her guardian angel. But what happens when the angel turns out to be a demon whose presence sucks out every last drop of her humanity and turns her into an empty vessel—literally? This book is rated 18+ with mature content such as: *Violence {lots of it} *Smut P.S: Characters might be mentally unstable sometimes. Enjoy!

Jumping From World to the world: Intergalactic or Urban, World of Cultivation or Continent of Magic, Fighting other protagonists, hooking with beautiful heroines, plundering treasures, and suppressing a myriad of people, Our Protagonist(Villain) can do it all. After living an ordinary life for years, a man finally got transmigrated to another world. He woke up in the body of a boy named Jun Tianyun. " A world which got its own protagonists and villains, am I just a side character?" Jun Tianyun mumbled. Thankfully, he activated Heaven's Fortune System. " Jun Tianyun! You crippled my power and stole my wife! You villain! You will be punished by heaven!" A protagonist screamed as he coughed a mouthful of blood. " I didn't do anything. It was your fate!" Jun Tianyun explained kindly. " Brother Jun! Because of you, I am still alive and living a normal life with my wife and two children. You are a saint!" A villain spoke with an emotional voice. " I didn't do anything. You earned your chance of redemption." Jun Tianyun sighed. [ Ding! A female with high Destiny Point is detected! Whether Host wants to steal her destiny or conquer the heroine?] " This..." Jun Tianyun fell in dillema. " Sigh, Changing the fate, So burdensome." Jun Tianyun sighed as he saw a bunch of heroines fighting for him. .....................................................................................................................................

******** (WARNING: This novel’s MC is Laurence’s disciple, since both of them love to cuss at everyone’s faces…. Just kidding! xD xD. Just like my other work that has a warning at the top… So, please read at your own risk! ^_^) (Note: This novel will undergo revisions from the start. Thank you! ^_^) ********* Not all villains are evil. Sometimes, their experiences and how others treated them shaped them into what they are today. ********* “How amusing! Do you really think that being labeled as a [tyrant], a [bully], and a [villain] would be that outstanding?! Why don’t you come here right now and let me punch you in the face so that you can wake up from your f*cking delusional sh*t!” ********* In his first life, for some unknown reason, he was betrayed, framed, and stripped of his status as a noble and labeled him as a “traitor” or in the worst case, a “villain”. Now, as he faced execution and prepared to die when suddenly an unknown entity called [system] offered him a chance to be a dimensional traveler, a being who transverse through the stars and space to countless worldlines in order to complete various tasks that was assigned to them. The system also promised him to grant his greatest desire should he ever consent to be bound by the [system]. With no other choice, he accepted the entity’s offer and after millennium years’ worth of transmigration, for some unknown reason, the system prompted him to be reincarnated back to his first life that he had forsaken…. As the “villainous” Third Young Master of Marquis Chevalier Household from Stellarus Empire. ********* Photo not mine. Credits to the owner.

Betrayed. Abducted. Bound by Vengeance. Angel thought turning twenty would mean freedom—escaping the gilded cage her father built around her. But on the night of her birthday, she lost everything. Taken by Leoric, the man who had spent years plotting his revenge, she was meant to be nothing more than a pawn—a sacrifice to break her father’s pride. But fate had other plans. A mysterious vortex pulls them into a deadly new world—a land ruled by darkness, where power belongs to the strong and escape is impossible. The only way back? A tribute to the supreme ruler: a virgin bride. With danger closing in and an unbreakable bond forming between captor and captive, Angel and Leoric must face an impossible choice. In a world where innocence is currency and survival demands sacrifice, will revenge still be enough? Or will they become each other’s salvation?

When I woke up, I was no longer myself—I had become Damien Nacht, the infamous heir of House Nacht. Arrogant, cruel, and doomed to die at the hands of the so-called "hero," my fate was already written. But I refuse to die. Armed with future knowledge and a sharp mind, I must outsmart scheming nobles, fend off assassins, and break free from the destiny that wants me dead. If the world sees me as a villain, then I’ll be one on my own terms—not some pawn to be discarded. I will survive. I will rise. And if anyone dares stand in my way… I will crush them.

On the day of the broken engagement, she read his fortune— Disaster. And so, it turned out to be a disaster. He, impressive in uniform and commanding respect, became her immediate boss because of this "disaster." A broken engagement storm, a hidden marriage journey, a quest to win back his wife. He treasured her as the apple of his eye, yet she avoided him like a devastating flood or ferocious beast. Facts proved— If this person, this feeling, belongs to you, then—you simply can't escape it! Chu Liangxia could never have imagined, after all the twists and turns, that she would still end up marrying him. A contract, a marriage certificate, and a handsome but dark-hearted man from then on, Chu Liangxia began her life of covert marriage. The contract was as follows: First, post-marriage life, no interference with each other. Second, in front of relatives and friends, keep up appearances when necessary; Third, during cohabitation, provide mutual assistance and prioritize harmony; Fourth, ... This contract emphasized fairness and justice, absolutely rational, and mutually beneficial. Chu Liangxia was very satisfied. But— Not long after the marriage, Chu Liangxia tragically discovered that she had been tricked! Where was that dignified and stern young master from before? How did he turn into a shameless beast in gentleman's clothing?! Damn, where's the face?! [Theater] Life before marriage— Work diligently; Matchmake attentively; Swindle enthusiastically. Life after marriage— Fiercely deal with troublemakers; Outwit mistresses; Bravely confront the lord of the house! And so— Chu Liangxia exploded! "I want a divorce!" Slamming the table hard, Chu Liangxia brandished her Peach Blossom Sword, pointing it right under the man's chin. Feng Ziheng's face darkened as he smashed a contract onto her face, "Dare to divorce, and I'll break your legs!" == One on one, warm romance fiction, half in the entertainment circle, focused on a warm and humorous love story, come and dive in. PS: The setting of this story is purely fictitious, please don't scrutinize it.

In the peaceful Ning City, the Shen family had two lovely daughters. The elder Miss Shen, Shen Ru, was smart and capable, while the second Miss Shen, Shen Yan, was charming and beautiful. One day, a third daughter, Shen Wan, appeared. Shen Wan was quiet and unremarkable. She looked weak and helpless. Mr. Shen said, "Let her stay." Mrs. Shen said, "A daughter born to a lowly woman is still lowly." Shen Ru said, "She's too plain and simple." Shen Yan said, "Brother Qi dislikes unattractive things the most." Shen Wan coldly smiled and thought, Don't worry, take it easy. None of you can escape!' - In her past life, Shen Wan lost all her blood, her organs were hollowed out, and she died on a cold operating table. She lived thirty years without having any children. In this life, she came for revenge. She carefully planned every step and turned Ning City upside down. But inadvertently, she drew the attention of a demon king. The people respectfully called Quan Hanting "Lord Six". He was cold and heartless, and his identity was a mystery. [Little Cute Bundle] "I heard that when I was born, Papa was in so much pain that he almost died. Yeah, Mama bit him!"

After being betrayed by her fiancé and her cousin sister, she accidentally rescued an elegant but indifferent young master. Never did she expect to marry him and surprised many! “Sir, Young Madam took a fancy to an expensive jade.” He looked up and replied with a casual air, “No matter the price, buy it for her!” “Sir, Young Madam is fighting with others!” His face darkened and he immediately ordered, “Get her a few more men. Make sure she doesn’t lose. How dare they bully my wife?” “Sir, Young Madam has been reported having an affair with a man!” Upon hearing this, he could bear no more and dashed out without a second thought.

“Chu Yi Chen, I want a…” “Alright.” Chu Yi Chen held onto her waist and lifted her up, bluntly forcing her to swallow back the word “divorce”. A car, a condo, parents who are busy traveling – those are the things he laid out before marriage. Countless cars, millions of dollars worth of real estates, parents who fly around the world for business – this is the reality Gu Xiao Xiao discovered after marriage. Gu Xiao Xiao naively believed Chu Yi Chen’s her most compatible match, until she found out he is her direct boss…

Agatha made a vow on her mother’s deathbed—she would never marry. After witnessing the heartbreak and suffering love brought her mother, she swore to never walk the same path. But fate had other plans. Tricked by her father and aunt, she unknowingly signed a marriage contract. The shocking truth hit her like a storm when she was introduced at the world’s most prestigious fundraising gala as Mrs. Christian Stone—the wife of the infamous, ruthless billionaire known as The Beast. At first, Agatha believed it was a terrible mistake. Then reality set in. Every attempt to escape ended in failure, leaving her with no choice but to stay. But if she had to be trapped in this marriage, she would make her husband’s life a living hell. Yet, as time passed, she uncovered a side of Christian that no one else saw—a broken man, scarred by a painful past, yearning for love yet too damaged to embrace it. The ruthless billionaire who struck fear in others found solace in her. And against all odds, Agatha found herself falling for the man she once despised. Just when happiness seemed within reach, a dark secret from Christian’s past shatters their fragile love. Devastated, Agatha is ready to walk away for good. But then, his desperate plea stops her. "You can’t leave me, Agatha. My world will crumble without you. You made me love you, and now you want to leave? For the sake of our unborn child, please… stay." For the first time, she sees the mighty Christian Stone beg. Now, standing at the crossroads of love and freedom, Agatha must make a choice. Will she walk away and reclaim the life she always wanted? Or will she stay and fight for the man who has finally captured her heart?

Julie Thompson just moved into the suburban town to live with her aunt's family and hopes to not have or make any friends at all because she disliked people but maybe liking just one won't hurt. She falls for Uche, her cousin brother's best friend, without even knowing. Follow Julie through her first attempt at love. ... I watched him as he stood there, leaning on the bridge's railing and eating ice cream. The breeze wasn't disturbing his hair today because he had parked it all backwards, he looked cute, I smiled drawing in some breath, satisfied with how today was going. "What?" I heard him ask taking me off my thoughts. "Huh?" "You were smiling." "Oh. I was...." "Can I kiss you?" He asked looking at my lips. "Here?" I asked now, my heart beating hard against my chest, our first kiss could happen now. "Yeah?" He nodded, I could see his Adam's apple go up and down as he swallowed, I bit my lips, nervously. I smiled approvingly, almost getting up from the bench where I sat. "No sit." He said coming closer to sit next to me. The bench was quite small so we were so close to each other. He leaned in and I could smell him more the closer he got to my face. His lips were now inches away from mine and the moment they touched I closed my eyes, I didn't know why but I did. He didn't put his tongue in my mouth, it was as simple as it could get, just a warm kiss and I as glad he didn't. When he lips left mine, I opened my eyes licking my lips. He was smiling, I hadn't yet told him how much I loved his smile. "You lied." I told him. "About what?" He stopped smiling. "You said you were a bad kisser." He laughed now with his teeth showing, those beautiful set. Read more... #genka3na

In a world where magic and mortal realms intertwine, Alara, a talented but reclusive young witch, finds herself trapped in a dangerous bargain. To prevent a war between her people (Humans) and the powerful Fae kingdom of the Night Court, she is promised as a bride to Lord Kael, the enigmatic and feared ruler of the court. But the almighty king has a curse, whoever he touches will succumb to death. Will Alara be able to break the curse with her enchanted magic and survive a death sentence?

According to myths, two people were connected by the red thread of fate. They were destined to meet regardless of time, place and circumstances. They say the Gods tied an invisible red string around the little finger of those who were soulmates and will one day marry each other. The thread may be stretched, twisted or knotted but it will never be broken. *********************************************** Death. A word that terrifies humans. The absence of life, an inevitable universal process that occurs in all living things. For Crystal Myers, his death was just around the corner. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease when she was a kid. Although her family was wealthy, the doctors said it cannot be cured even with surgery. Although she was a weird university graduate who had a doctorate degree in mythological studies and was obsessed with beliefs, legends, and unworldly beings, she just wanted to live her life to the fullest and was just waiting for her death. But everything changed when she met Dr. Allistair Cohen, a renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon. He promised to cure her and that she could live a normal life again but in exchange, she had to marry him. She was hesitant, of course. But a new life with a stranger wasn't a bad idea to move on from Brad. EXCERPT: “Why am I still alive? And where am I?” “You’re in my house.” It was a man's voice, but because of the darkness invading the room, she couldn’t see who it was. “I died. My heart stopped beating. How am I alive?” She asked again. “I saved you. It was forbidden, but I had to.” The shadow shown by the moonlight confirmed that the voice was coming from the couch just a few steps away from the bed. “You saved me? How?” The figure stood up and slowly walked toward the light. Her eyes bawled seeing a hooded black skeleton holding a scythe in front of her. “Y-You’re the grim reaper!” She exclaimed. “So you know about me. I am Erebus, son of the Goddess of Death Mist, Achlys. I am here to collect your soul.” She thought it was just a dream, but looking at her husband, she realized that he was not just a regular doctor. Could she continue her life with the man who had a dark secret? Could she control her heart every time he touched her? Would she continue being his wife if she found out that she was being deceived? ************************************* Book cover is not mine. Credit to the rightful owner.

In the kingdom of Eldoria, two rival clans—the House of Varelis and the House of Draeven—have been at war for decades. To end the bloodshed, the cunning King decrees a forced marriage between Lady Seraphina Varelis, a proud and battle-hardened warrior, and Prince Kael Draeven, a cold and calculating Man of power. Neither of them desires this union. Seraphina sees Kael as the enemy responsible for her brother’s death, while Kael believes love is a weakness that has no place in war. But as they are bound by duty, they soon discover that a greater threat looms over their kingdom—an ancient dark force rising from the shadows, ready to consume them all. Forced to work together, Seraphina and Kael must navigate the treacherous court, assassins lurking in the dark, and their growing attraction to each other. But will their forced marriage forge an unbreakable alliance, or will their hatred tear them—and their kingdom—apart?