King Aldric Thorne

When minor noblewoman Adina Dan appears at the second day of the choosing ceremony in a stunning red dress—hoping to catch the king's eye as a mistress—the legendary Commander of the Orc Slayers publicly claims her as his wife instead, binding her to a warrior she never wanted while igniting a dangerous rivalry with the crown.

An arrogant king becomes obsessed with a mysterious girl from his kingdom, never realizing she's been serving in his castle all along.

When 36-year-old dungeon master Adina Dan is forced by her sister to attend the royal Choosing Ceremony, she expects mockery—but her entrance silences the room, captivating every nobleman and the unwed king himself, none of whom know the lethal warrior hidden beneath her curves.