The Duke And I Historical

"When tragedy strikes, Thonia and her brother Alex are left to pick up the pieces. Their parents' sudden death in a plane crash sends their world crashing down. But that's only the beginning. As their father's step-siblings swoop in to claim the family's wealth and properties, Thonia and Alex are reduced to servants in their own home. Will they find a way to reclaim their rightful inheritance, or will they be forever trapped in a life of servitude?"

Leo, an engineer, was Isekai'd across to another dimension. The one summoning him meant for it to be like every other isekai--get a body and some cool powers and right an ancient wrong. But the ritual is messed up, and Leo goes over with a loan shark and his minions--who start building an evil Isekai empire. Meanwhile, Leo gets stuck in a forest, where he befriends a defective dragon and rescues a stuck-up elf princess that got her whole team killed. Now, he needs to work to get himself and his team up to snuff, to be able to move back to the path that was supposed to be set for him, by one method or another. And then he needs to put all his skills as a gamer and engineer to work to build his... fantasy empire [Litrpg, significant and meaningful rules and options for both character and settlement growth, base-building/empire-building, portal fantasy, adventure, intelligent MC, no sex, no harem, some slice-of-life and found family.]

Lang Huan, a beautiful young woman, descendant of the prestigious Lang Clan in the modern world, is swept away by fate into another dimension—one where time and reality are entirely different. The long-dormant power within her awakens, transforming her into a formidable Wolf Warrior. Amidst the chaos of this unfamiliar world, she crosses paths with the cunning yet captivating The Eldest Princess Zhao Yi. What starts as a dangerous game of deception soon entangles Lang Huan in an inescapable trap—one that leads her not only to danger but also to an unexpected love. On a night when the moon shone brightly, the princess let her hair fall like a waterfall and wore a transparent gauze dress. She threw herself at Lang Huan. Lang Huan’s heart nearly jumped out of her chest—she almost had a heart attack. Lang Huan : “What are you doing?” Feng Yao : “Hug me… I am cold” Lang Huan : “……” Feng Yao : “Kiss me…” Lang Huan : ”Are you crazy? I am a woman…” Feng Yao : “No problem…I like woman” Lang Huan : “…….” #Yuri #comedyromance #palaceintrique #romance

Minding my own business, as always. What’s my business, you ask? Keeping this little human on track. He’s sassy, resentful, and—let’s be honest—sometimes so mean. But overall? He’s okay. I’ve dealt with worse. Right now, he’s smoking a cigarette and wasting his charm on a girl who isn’t even interested. Wait till she finds out he’s broke. He’s got $100 to last the rest of the month—which, in theory, might be fine… if it weren’t the start of the month.

Selamat datang di dunia anggun para elit, di mana Seraphina Alaric, gadis yang lemah dan rapuh yang selalu bergantung pada obat-obatan untuk memulihkan diri, hanya mencoba mendapatkan kesempatan sebelum hidupnya terbalik karena pernikahan yang diatur... Serius, siapa yang ingin terikat ketika Anda masih mencari tahu apa yang Anda inginkan dalam hidup? Selama perjamuan mewah, dia bertabrakan dengan Duke of Everwyn yang enigmatik. Dan bagian yang paling gila? Dia tidak tahu siapa pria ini—hanya mengira dia seorang asing misterius. Tiba-tiba, dengan perasaan petualang (dan mungkin sedikit ceroboh), dia menyarankan pertemuan rahasia yang membuat dunianya terbalik. Dalam momen tersembunyi itu, Seraphina langsung menceburkan diri ke dalam keinginan terliarnya. Tetapi alur cerita—ternyata, pria yang baru saja dia habiskan malam dengannya adalah calon suaminya yang sebenarnya. Ups! Begitu banyak untuk orang asing misterius—dia baru saja menghabiskan malam dengan calon suaminya! "Duke, It Hurts..." mengajak Anda ke dalam pusaran penemuan diri, romansa yang menggairahkan, dan kekacauan manis dari cinta ketika Anda paling tidak mengharapkannya. Dapatkah Seraphina melepaskan diri dari belenggu masyarakat, atau akankah dia menemukan dirinya terjerat dalam jaring yang sama yang mencoba untuk dia hindari? Ikuti perjalanan mendebarkan ini, dan temukan bagaimana cinta bisa membebaskan sekaligus rumit. Jangan lewatkan—obsesi Anda selanjutnya hanya dalam jarak halaman!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be known that this book wouldn't have made it this far without the support my dear writing buddy Rachel E. Canton who is a great writer of SINS OF THE SERAPHIM - https://www.webnovel.com/book/sins-of-the-seraphim_26438336605116805 and Derek J. Perna To Rachel & Derek, Thank you for everything! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the last heir of Ardel lost everything, fate would bring her to her rightful protector. Anna Adhemar, the forgotten princess, found herself betrayed by the Regent. Hunted by the Bargesians and the ruthless slave traders, she desperately fled for her life. Rescued by a mysterious man, her newfound safety was short-lived as she succumbed to a potent aphrodisiac. Then, she awoke in the arms of the fearsome Knight Commander of Gerhard, stripped bare, in a foreign kingdom. Fear, confusion, and a sense of profound devastation enveloped her. But the man before her declared, "I am your husband. I married you last night." Then, with unwavering determination, he vowed, " You're my woman now. No one can hurt my woman." --- Kyren Raychard, the Crown Prince who had chosen to forsake the throne and became celibate, led the Knights of Gerhard to safeguard his kingdom’s border from slave trading activities. Outside his camp, he found Anna poisoned and delirious. The healer informed him of the only cure, of which he must race against time to give and honour her. For the first time, he felt an overwhelming instinct to protect and claim her as his own. Unaware of his deepening affection, he belatedly realised his feelings as he stood on the brink of losing her. Bound by a soul-binding spell, their fates intertwined…

.

Throughout history, Humans have strived for greatness, not only in name but in deeds as well, and many failed to achieve it.  It was no different in a Land of Dragons, Mythical beings, Knights, Mages, Demi-humans, and demonic beings. But their greatness came in a different form, a concept known as POWER.  The power to conquer, to build, to control, to protect, and to love.  Raffaelo Jun was a man born with a silver spoon, yet his sheltered upbringing prevented him from becoming the man he was meant to be.  He was unable to achieve the greatness of the prestigious family of the Jun household and became a sight of ridicule.  He was used for a while until he wasn't, then discarded and killed for being a threat to the throne, but Fate had other plans.  Reborn as a child, he starts over as the sole son of the Jun household, his actions brimming with intent.  He had one goal: attain the power that he once ignored and stand on the precipice of human existence, to protect all that are dear to him.  Note: It starts slowly until recent chapters. Interesting side characters, power systems, techniques, and a mixture of variety with the right blend. If you enjoy this work, give me your support, with votes, comments, and reviews :> Check out my new work; WELCOME TO GAMETOPIA!

Meet Sophia Jang—the epitome of a modern woman. She's passionate about K-pop, K-dramas, and stays deeply connected to the ever-shifting currents of her country’s current affairs. With a Sharp-tongued, opinionated, and a master of 'cancel' culture, she never backs down from calling people out. But fate has a twisted sense of humor. After mocking a historical novel, suddenly finds herself trapped in one. Except, instead of the old Korea , she lands in the strict but fancy — Victorian era. Worse, she crosses paths with the most ruthless, ill-tempered, and dangerously influential man of his time - Raphael Von Veldt. In a world where her words hold no weight and her usual tactics are useless. Can she outsmart the merciless duke, or has she finally met her match?

Rosellene Valentine, the eldest daughter of Earl Valentine, was the epitome of beauty, a fragile and untouchable rose that bloomed in the frozen gardens of the Valentine estate. After reaching the depths of despair. She returned unexpectedly, stepping back in time by seven years. Before fate and time had ruined her. Then, She met him...The Duke of Eryndor, the kingdom's guardian and shield. She had become gracefully attuned to the admiring glances and silent reverence of those around her. So much that she could feel the weight of every lingering glance, the unspoken affection in his eyes, as his love for her bloomed, undeniable and apparent...once again. "Should your joy be the prize, I would gladly place myself at your service." His golden eyes seems to glow faintly in the dark as he whispered softly. (The Prince charming X The Damsel in Distress)

Life in a noble house isn’t all luxury. Luan Meskevela never expected to wake up as the third son of a powerful duke. But when he’s transported into the world of Sigil Online, he finds himself gifted with two rare and powerful Sigils—abilities that make him a force to be reckoned with. Now, Luan's got more than wealth on his mind. He’ll charm a priestess, exploit a merchant guild, and maybe even befriend a spirit or two—if it gets him a better vintage of wine. With a mix of charm, wealth, and newfound power, he courts beautiful women, explores the world around him, and builds connections that could shape his future. Yet, beneath the surface, political intrigue and family rivalries threaten to disrupt his carefree life. In this new world, Luan plays for the thrill, not just for power. But as he enjoys the perks of his life, he soon realizes that every decision has consequences, and the people around him may not always be what they seem.

--[WSA 2025 Entry]-- Betrayed by his sister. Betrayed by chosen one's humanity. Betrayed by the Gods. That was how the life of Leonard, the Defier of Fate and the world’s greatest heretic, came to an end. When demons invaded human lands, he received a revelation from the Goddess. She commanded him to act as a spy, to infiltrate the enemy ranks and expose their secrets for humanity’s sake. To fulfill this mission, he had to sacrifice a part of his soul. He accepted a demonic contract, surrendered his soul, and became a demonic human. Risking everything, he provided critical information to the humans and helped them turn the tide of battle. But then, he had a shocking discovery. The war was nothing but a gambit between various gods and before he could act, the war was stopped out of nowhere. In an unexpected turn, humans and demons put aside their hatred and signed a peace treaty. Before Leonard could make sense of it, he was betrayed. Both demons and humans joined hands to kill him. "Fuck! If there is a next life, I swear I will tear you gods apart!" With this scream, he thought his suffering was finally over. But… When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in the body of Karl Veydrin, the son of the Grand Duke of the Heizen Empire. But this new life was no different from the last. His sister wanted to get rid of him. Born with clogged vessels and no talent, he was nothing but a disappointment. A subject of fun and ridicule among the fellow nobles. Despite rebirth, nothing seems to change. The cursed fate. The distorted history smearing his name. A world that was against him. Leonard, now assuming the identity of Karl, let out a low chuckle. "Don’t worry, Karl. I will have revenge for both of us." "They called me heretic right? I will show them how a true fucking heretic acts.” Follow Kael's journey, as he fights against the fates and injustices to drag the ones ruling above.

"In a world where power is everything, Kaisel de Ravengard, the enigmatic Duke of Ravengard, hides behind a mask of nobility while orchestrating a grand scheme of deception and revenge. Born into disgrace and marked by the fall of his family, he wields forbidden magic and the deadly power of the Seven Sins to dismantle the corrupt aristocracy from within. As shadows whisper his name and enemies fall one by one, Kaisel moves ever closer to his ultimate goal—vengeance for his mother’s murder and the complete domination of the Empire."

Calder Monroe Llyr Kaimana couldn't stop his hands from sweating. He wasn't even sure how he was even holding everything together. He didn't even know how he found the courage to speak up but he did and he did it during his older brother's coronation celebration. Taki Hamako woke up in the Kingdom of Mariella and to his horror in someone else's body. Worse, he heard some names that sounded way too familiar. The name of the body he was in, the body's older brother crown prince Esai Asher Blake Kaimana, Britille Freyer and Syria Trent. "It can't be! It's all the same!" He thought as he watched from the sidelines. They were the names of the last novel his company's star author wrote! Taki couldn't believe his eyes or ears but everything was the same and he couldn't let them die. "Why did her boyfriend break up with her?! Then this novel's ending wouldn't be a blood bath!" Taki now Calder cried inside his heart. "Oh no it's happening!" He cried again. The Baron Freyer is bringing up his daughter alongside Count Trent while Chancellor Graham is leading them. Calder needed to stop the event from happening. "My King!" Chancellor Graham started but Calder interrupts. "My dear King I want these women as my bride candidates!" Now he's done it. "Sure!" His brother proclaims. Calder pales, he didn't think before he acted, worse THE KING KNEW HE WAS BAD WITH WOMEN! Past or present he sucked. That's why Taki's parents arranged his marriage! What's he to do now? He wanted to save everyone but will he save both Villainess and Heroine? Choose a sex fiend or dominatrix? He just wanted to bang his newly wedded wife back in his own world and live a normal, happy life! What the hell happened?!

Kaen Blaze, the strongest warrior in history, found himself at the forefront of Demon invasion. However, despite his devotion and strength, he was betrayed by his own people for peace! Regressed to his 15-year self, he found himself in the past with a second chance, however, with a price to pay. Now, with his previous life's experience, he'd strive for strength to not let the future repeat itself, destroy the people who betrayed him, conquer all the empires, build a unified nation that can resist the demon invasion this time. With his secret organization, Sovereignty and his powerful subordinates, he'd grow and conquer everything in this life!

A simple daughter of a Baron, Silvia is sold into a marriage with a sickly duke—a union that proves devastating when the duke dies immediately after the wedding, branding her with the cursed title of widow. If that weren’t enough, her brother-in-law harbors lustful desires for her, insisting she become his mistress. Desperate to escape the gilded prison of the palace, Silvia’s every attempt at freedom is met with increasing hostility, chipping away at her sanity. Her spirit wanes as the walls close in, and hope feels like a distant dream. But then, her life takes a sinister turn when she crosses paths with someone she wishes she never had. Will Silvia ever find happiness again? Will she reunite with her true love, or will the merciless beasts of society consume her, piece by piece? (Warning: May contain Themes such as R*pe, Sui*ide, Prostitu*on)

In order not to bring the wrath of the Galwynn Empire Duke upon their kingdom, the Everia King gave out his daughter as a potential bride. In a world full of power-thirsty rulers, nowhere was safe. Hareton Sullivan, the bloodthirsty Duke has eyes for the baker's daughter only but the political truce between him and the Everia King must stand. Will Princess Marcella Dominic allow the Duke's heart to be stolen by the commoner's daughter? What will Victoria do when she finds out that the Duke is heartless and cruel?.

A light-hearted romantic comedy between a young female boss and her older female assistant in a realistically reconstructed world of the defense industry based on the authentic experiences of the author. Plot Synopsis: 19yo Hina inherits a mega-corporation, but she is a billionaire underdog facing dauntingly massive pressure to succeed. Her sidekick, Sin, is an older and experienced woman who is a jack of all trades in the business world with a natural talent for improvising and working behind the scenes to make the clockwork tick. To repay her debt of gratitude to Hina’s late father who brought her under his wings and gave her a career in the defense industry, she dedicates herself to helping Hina and protecting her at all costs. The irresistible charm of Hina slowly starts to move Sin’s heart but she is a woman incapable of loving and being loved. However, Hina is an unpredictable force of nature and her nonchalant shower of affection makes it hard for Sin to juggle her ever-so-confusing feelings and professional commitment. The family feud within Hina’s family, power struggles in the company to oust the young heiress, and political landmines Sin needs to navigate with her young new boss make her life and career increasingly more precarious as time goes by.

Mark Nicholson isn't your average African American otaku from Alabama, but one thundering night, everything changes. Hooked up to the Nerve Core Virtual Reality gaming set, Mark and his childhood friends, Bonner and Q are sent through the tunnel of light and dark to another world resembling a video game they attempted to play together during a mystery update. He was craving for change and thirsting for adventure. Mark casts aside his own mediocrity in order to don a new name alongside his friends and gains a lofty ambition: World Domination. Though a world stuck within its own ideals is sure to resist, can Mark and his friends gain the power necessary to become conquerors of their new world?! The cover artist is Kucing Pawpaw on Fiverr.

This is the tale of a girl who discovered they were no longer just a regular person when they awoke one morning. I mean waking up with wings, fangs, and fireproof skin wasn’t exactly on my to-do list. Suddenly, I’m breaking doorknobs, eating enough ramen to shock the shop owner, and googling “how to demon 101.” Life as an awkward otaku was tough enough—now I’m stuck figuring out what I’ve turned into and whether I can still pass as human. Curse or blessing, one thing’s clear: my life just got a whole lot weirder. At least ramen still tastes the same.

"You are dead." said God to high school student Yuuji Takahashi shortly after he was murdered by an unknown person on his way home. Yuuji met God shortly after his death and was granted the opportunity to get reincarnated. He accepted it and woke up in a totally new world. A fantasy world! His life in this world doesn't last long, because on the same day Yuuji was murdered again, but he got one more and at the same time his last chance and got reincarnated by God for the second time. Now Yuuji has only one thing in his mind. To find his murderer! NOTE: My English is not the greatest and sometimes I tend to use the help of translators or people in order to bring the best quality and as human as possible reading experience to you all.

[ON HIATUS] My name is Cassius Blackwood, I am the illegitimate son born between the greatest swordsman in the empire, and the master of the Magic Tower. Yes, the one people expected to be a 1-in-a-million genius. As a result, I grew up in a house full of love and kindness despite being illegitimate. That is, until my tenth birthday when I failed my awakening ceremony. You can imagine how people started treating me after that. My parents, who had high hopes for me, abandoned me. After 10 years of training in hopes of awakening, I succeeded. But only as a "systemless hunter." And as we know, it's impossible to succeed as a hunter without a system. When 'The Blackwood Trial' took place, which is meant to determine the next head of house Blackwood, as everyone expected, I was the first to die. So, why did I go back to when I was 10 years old right before my awakening ceremony? *** Tags: #transmigration (the MC isn't the transmigrator) #regression ( the MC is obviously the regressor) #reincarnation #no-harem #romance #singlefemalelead #revenge #evil #cruel #mage #swordsman #returnee #fantasy-empire #dungeons #system( Fake system) #cultivation (done differently) #rarebloodline #action #fantasy #secretidentity join my discord: https://dsc.gg/Rerian long link: https://discord.com/invite/wARbcq8kzG

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely…" Man, these words are simple yet very true. The one who said these words must have really been… "corrupted," hehe. Does power corrupt? Maybe. But why? Is it power's very nature to corrupt? If that's true, does that mean everyone who has power is… corrupted? And if they are, then how much? Partially, slightly, or fully? Who, then, is the most corrupt? Is it the police, who have the power of law over the people who break it? Or is it the military, with the power of weapons? Or is it the politicians, controlling the police, the military, and the infamous red buttons? Or perhaps it's the people who fund those politicians—those who control everything from the shadows. To know who is the most corrupt, we need to figure out who is the most powerful. If I asked a random person, "Who's the most powerful being?" they'd probably answer with one word: God. Well, it makes sense. I mean, God Himself says in His holy scriptures that He is the source of all power. The most powerful being there was, is, and will ever be. If He is the source of all power... And if power's very nature is to corrupt... Then does that mean "God," the source of all power, is also the source of all corruption?! I rubbed the back of my neck, my lips twitching into a nervous smile. Probably not, but then again… Angels, the second most powerful beings, worship God and cannot disobey Him. At least in Islam, they can't. Christianity? Well, that's a whole different ballgame. So I don't know—maybe. But what about the people who believe in God? There are plenty of radicals out there. I mean, I've seen enough news stories about people blowing themselves up in the name of God. Killing others in His name. Some even believe they're chosen by God, so they kill for Him. Are they believers in God? Corrupted by the Devil? Or enlightened beings who see something my dumb self doesn't? I squinted, tapping my fingers rhythmically against my thigh. Man, I don't know about Hell, but after all these blasphemous thoughts, I don't think God's letting me into Heaven either. Now, everyone's probably wondering, Why are you talking about these blasphemous things? Well, it's my grandma's fault. "What did she do?" Nothing! It's not what she did—it's what she said. When I was little, my grandma used to say, "If you have nothing to do, think about God." So, technically, it's her fault. Title: The Duke's Youngest Son Is Unbearable Asher, the youngest son of an esteemed archduke, is infamous for his arrogance, sharp tongue, and reckless demeanor. To the outside world, he’s the epitome of a spoiled noble, but beneath the façade lies a storm of confusion and turmoil. Memories of a past life on Earth haunt him, colliding with his current existence, and leaving him questioning the very fabric of reality. A dungeon raid at Aetherion Academy turns into a life-altering event when a rivalry with the commoner prodigy, Elvin, spirals out of control. Left for dead, Asher experiences his first "awakening," a mysterious phenomenon that not only heals his shattered ether core but also grants him the power to manipulate space and time. His revival raises more questions than answers—why was he brought back, and what does this awakening truly mean? Asher’s newfound abilities catapult him into a world of intrigue, where nobles play dangerous games, ancient secrets resurface, and shadowy powers stir in the background. His abrasive personality and sharp wit make him enemies at every turn, but it also hides the growing weight of responsibility and guilt he carries. With each stage of his awakening, Asher’s abilities grow stronger, moving from controlling objects and altering the physical world to rewriting the very concept of time itself. But with great power comes consequences, and the line between saving the world and destroying it becomes increasingly blurred. join Asher in this journey.

What do you do when you wake up in an unfamiliar world?. Well how would I know. But do you want to find out. Then join the journey of our MC as he finds a way to live life in another world I think.

Rainora's whole world changes when she heads to New York to make a living to help save her brother who faces a terminal illness. In a mysterious change of events, she mistakenly tramples upon a terrifying murder scene, making her an unwilling eye-witness. Nikolas, a powerful and charismatic figure, offers her a dark twisted choice: become his secretary or face a dangerous end. Left with no choice and bound by a contract she can't refuse, Rainora is thrust into a world of secrets, danger, and forbidden desires. As she navigates this deadly world, she falls for Nikolas, blurring the lines between captor and protector, and igniting a powerful passion to make or break. Would their love survive it? Or would the sacrifices be too much for them to bear?

In a kingdom shadowed by ruthless rulers and dark secrets, Liana, a young woman with a haunting past, flees her city after a tragic encounter with a prince who becomes obsessed with her beauty. With her family shattered, Liana and her daughter, Aila, find themselves wandering the dense forests of Tharindor’s neighboring villages, seeking a safe haven away from the dangers that lurk in both the world and her memories. On their journey, Liana learns that her dreams are more than mere visions—they are forewarnings. She discovers a deep connection to an ancient and mysterious power that both shields and guides her, but she doesn’t understand its full extent. Her path leads her to a small village, Eldoria, hidden among towering trees, a lake, and thick forests. Here, the quiet isolation offers peace, but the rumors of a shadow beast surrounding the village keep its inhabitants distant and wary. As Liana and Aila settle into the village, their bond grows stronger, though Aila remains emotionally distant, uncertain of the strange new reality she now faces. Liana, in her quiet desperation, finds a mentor in Eldoria’s enigmatic elder, an elderly woman whose presence is as mysterious as the village itself. The woman offers Liana a job, giving her the chance to earn a living while raising Aila and tending to her own mysterious wounds—physical and emotional. Liana, however, cannot escape her past so easily. She feels the presence of a dark force—something ancient and powerful—within her, especially in her dreams. The voice from her dream is not a figment of imagination but a mysterious guide, and its words, "Your light brightens and your blood tames," promise untold revelations. The mist that once protected her, that same shadow beast she thought was nothing more than a myth, returns, protecting her and Aila, keeping them hidden as the prince continues to search for her, refusing to give up. But as Liana unravels the mysteries of her powers, the village she has chosen to hide in will prove to be the key to something greater—a hidden past and an inevitable confrontation with her destiny.

"I will not be your mistress." She spoke, whispering, with her mouth a sigh away from his. He swallowed hard and nodded, agreeing with her even as he closed the distance between them, kissing her to madness, leaving nothing to sanity. Bethany Fitzgerald hated the very idea of marriage and stood against it with everything she was. Charles de Norcrosse had to marry the insufferable Lady Cossington, for it was the will of his late father and he must abide by it. But when fate moved in favour of the Duke of Carlisle and the daughter of an impoverished Land Baron, very little can be done to fight against it. (Loving Her Duke is the first book of the British Blood Trilogy. Second is Hating Her King.)

*****Excerpt***** “Don’t,” she whispered, her words shaky and desperate. “Please, Raph, don’t.” “Don’t what?” he murmured, his lips brushing her collarbone now. “This isn’t right. We shouldn’t…” “But we have,” he countered, his voice unwavering. Her knees threatened to give way, her strength faltering against the onslaught of sensation. She felt his hands on her shoulders, firm but not unkind, as he turned her to face him. Her heart hammered wildly as he lifted her with ease, placing her on the edge of his desk. He parted her legs with his hands and stepped between them, his large hands bracketing her waist. Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm against her lips. Her senses were drowning in him, in the heat of his body and the sheer magnetism of his gaze. “Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I will. I’ll let you go and never ask this of you again. But it’s your choice, Natalie. Only yours.” Her mind screamed at her to end it, to take the out he offered. But her body betrayed her, leaning into him, craving his touch. He held her steady, his patience unnerving, as though he knew she would falter. “I’m waiting, Nat,” he urged, his voice softening, though his grip on her remained firm. “Raphael…” Her voice was a breathless plea, her will crumbling. “Yes, sweetheart?” Her hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t stop the words that slipped from her lips, nor could she deny the truth in them. “Make love to me.” A dark smile curved his lips as he claimed her mouth in a kiss that stole her breath. “Good choice,” he whispered against her skin. “Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.” *****Synopsis***** Raphael Emberlin, the Duke of Barrington, and his maid, Natalie Scott, are kidnapped while on a journey. After escaping their captors, they find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar land far from home. Everything around them is different, from the language to the people, and they must find their way back, all while learning to navigate the challenges of being stuck with each other. Raphael, used to being in control, struggles to trust anyone, especially Natalie. However, as they travel together, he begins to see her in a new light—her strength, courage, and ability to handle tough situations. On the other hand, Natalie has to deal with Raphael’s arrogance and pride, but she also notices his vulnerability and starts to understand him better. As they journey through this unknown world, their relationship starts to change. What began as a forced partnership slowly grows into something deeper. They each discover new strengths within themselves and each other. By the time they finally return home, they are left wondering whether they can go back to their old lives or if the journey has changed them forever.

Li Huang died and was resurrected in a strange world, becoming the Emperor of a dynasty, but was scorned by his siblings, the people, and the nobles, who saw him as nothing more than a worthless puppet emperor waiting for death.