his past life, boy had been a poor orphan, struggling to survive in the slums. Hunger was his constant companion, and he had dreamed of a better life—one where he wouldn't have to fight for scraps. But fate had been cruel, and he met an untimely end in the bitter cold of winter.
When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer the ragged street boy he had once been. Instead, he found himself in a world of silk sheets, marble halls, and a warm, luxurious embrace. He had been reincarnated as Prince Adrian Evandor—the firstborn of the powerful Evandor Empire.
A New Life, A New BattleThough he was born into wealth, Adrian soon realized that palace life was not as easy as he had imagined. The court was full of scheming nobles, ambitious half-siblings, and a father—the emperor—who expected nothing less than absolute perfection. His past life's struggles had forged him into a survivor, and he knew he had to adapt quickly.
With his keen mind and street-honed instincts, he impressed his tutors, excelled in swordsmanship, and navigated the treacherous waters of royal politics. But despite his achievements, he felt empty. He had everything he once craved—wealth, food, power—yet something was missing.
The Girl in the GardenOne day, while wandering through the palace gardens, he stumbled upon a girl no older than him, struggling to carry a basket of medicinal herbs. She was Lady Seraphina Laurent, the daughter of a fallen noble house. Unlike the other court ladies, she didn't wear lavish gowns or expensive jewelry. Instead, she had calloused hands, dirt-stained robes, and a determined look in her emerald-green eyes.
"Your Highness," she said, bowing stiffly. "Forgive me for intruding. I was only gathering herbs for the healers."
Adrian was intrigued. Most noble ladies avoided hard work and only cared about court gossip, yet here she was, working in the palace infirmary. He watched as she skillfully sorted the herbs, her hands moving with practiced ease.
"Do you enjoy this work?" he asked, sitting on the marble bench nearby.
She hesitated before nodding. "Healing is my passion. If I can save even one life, then it's worth it."
Her words stirred something within him. He had spent his past life fighting just to survive, but she… she fought to help others. It was the first time someone had spoken with such conviction, not for power, but for kindness.
A Forbidden BondAs days turned into weeks, Adrian found himself seeking Seraphina's company more often. She was refreshingly honest, treating him not as a prince but as a person. She challenged him, made him question the emptiness of his life, and for the first time, he felt truly alive.
But their growing bond did not go unnoticed.
Whispers spread through the court—why was the crown prince spending time with a low-ranking noble girl? His father, the emperor, was furious. "A prince does not waste time with commoners," he warned. "You are to marry someone of royal blood."
Adrian clenched his fists. He had spent two lifetimes under the control of others, and he refused to let this one be dictated by duty alone. But defying the emperor meant risking everything.
Seraphina, sensing the danger, tried to distance herself. "You have a duty, Your Highness. I am not someone worthy of standing by your side."
His heart ached at her words. "And who decides what makes someone worthy? My title? My blood? None of that matters to me."
But it wasn't that simple. The court would never accept her, and their love would bring war between noble houses.
The Test of FateA crisis soon engulfed the kingdom—a rebellion led by an ambitious duke threatened to overthrow the empire. Adrian was sent to the battlefield, where he proved his worth not just as a prince, but as a warrior and leader. But amidst the chaos, he received dire news—Seraphina had been kidnapped by the rebels, who planned to use her against him.
Rage burned through him. He had lost everything once in his past life, and he refused to lose her now. Defying orders, he led a daring rescue mission. When he finally found her, she was bruised but unbroken, her spirit as fierce as ever.
"You came for me," she whispered, eyes filled with relief.
"Always," he vowed, pulling her into his arms.
A Future They Would Build TogetherThe rebellion was crushed, and Adrian returned as a hero. The emperor, seeing his son's unwavering determination and the loyalty he commanded, finally relented. "If she is who you choose, then prove that she is worthy," he declared.
Seraphina, now recognized for her skills as a healer and strategist, rose through the ranks, earning respect from the nobles who once scorned her.
Years later, Adrian was crowned emperor, and by his side stood his empress—not a princess of royal blood, but the girl who had taught him the true meaning of strength, love, and destiny.
And so, the poor orphan who once dreamed of a better life not only found a throne but a love that defied fate itself the story continues.