To secure an alliance between the northern kingdom of Leracal and the southern realm of Arnata, the countries’ royal families agree to a political marriage. Tei, known across the frozen battlefields as the most fearsome warrior and monster hunter, volunteers himself as the kingdom’s hostage, trading his life as a warrior for that of a bride. In Arnata, Tei finds not the hostility he anticipated but the calm, steady gaze of Shuraka, the young crown prince destined to become both his spouse and future Padisha of the empire. For Shuraka to claim the throne, however, he must survive an uprising that threatens the kingdom – once that forces him to draw the blood of his own brothers. Moved by the courage and gentle integrity of his betrothed, Tei pledges to protect him at any cost…and in the quiet hours of a white night, two hearts caught between loyalty and longing begin to bloom.
