War rages between the kingdom of Theros and the allied city-states of Aurel. Alessia, a Tharon woman with a dark past of abuse under the brutal Commander Walus, flees the capital city with her daughter Stella to survive. After stealing from the Aurean camp for months to keep them fed, she’s injured by their sentries—only to be found by the cunning King Odrian and his fiercely loyal fellow general-king, Dionys.

As she recovers, bonds form—familial, protective, and perhaps something more—but danger looms: She’s in an enemy war camp, Walus hunts them, and High King Nomaros is suspicious of her motives.

Together, Alessia and Odrian weave lies and promises, vowing to destroy Walus while playing a dangerous game of politics. But as trust deepens, Alessia realizes she’s no longer just surviving… she’s found a home worth fighting for. 

Themes: Found family, trauma recovery, cunning strategy, slow-burn loyalty, OT3: MMF romance.


Chapter 1: The Thief, The Child, and The King

Chapter 2: Little Star

Chapter 3: Princess Dumbass

Chapter 4: The Honey Plot

Chapter 5: Captain Crunchbutt and the Pebble Army

Chapter 6: A Knife in the Dark

Chapter 7: The High King

Chapter 8: Mother Tongue

Chapter 9: Butterflies

Chapter 10: Family

Chapter 11: The Butcher of Ellun

Chapter 12: Bitter Almonds

Chapter 13: Of Honey Cakes and Healers

Chapter 14: Confessions

Chapter 15: Confessions 2

Chapter 16: Permanent

Chapter 17: Quiet

Chapter 18: Worthy

Chapter 19: Unshackled

Chapter 20: Blades and Beads

Chapter 21: Cold Dawn, Warm Hearth