"Rogue and Royalty" is a captivating romance novel that takes place in medieval times, where two unlikely characters from rival mafia families find themselves caught in a dangerous game of love and betrayal. The story follows the journey of the rogue, a cunning and daring member of the mafia, and the royalty, a young and innocent member of a powerful family, as they navigate through the treacherous world of their families' feuds and forbidden love. As their paths cross and their hearts collide, they must choose between their loyalty to their families and their love for each other. With thrilling plot twists and steamy romance, "Rogue and Royalty" is a must-read for fans of medieval romance and mafia dramas.
Chapter 1 An Unlikely Encounter
Chapter 1: An Unlikely Encounter
The sun was setting over the city as Rogue made his way through the bustling streets. He was a member of the infamous Black Cross mafia family, known for their ruthlessness and cunning tactics. Rogue had grown up in this life, taught from a young age to do whatever it took to survive.
As he walked, he noticed a commotion up ahead. A group of men had cornered a woman in an alleyway, and they were shouting at her to hand over her purse. Rogue knew he should keep walking, that interfering in someone else's business was dangerous. But something about the woman caught his eye.
She was small and delicate, with long dark hair and piercing green eyes. Her clothes were simple but elegant, and she held herself with a grace that belied her fear. Rogue felt a strange pull towards her, something he couldn't quite explain.
Without thinking, he stepped forward and cleared his throat. The men turned to face him, sneering at the interruption. Rogue didn't flinch. He was used to this kind of confrontation.
"Is there a problem here, gentlemen?" he asked, his voice calm and even.
The men laughed, sizing up Rogue's lean frame. "This doesn't concern you, boy. Move along."
Rogue didn't move. He couldn't take his eyes off the woman, who was watching him with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
"Hand over the purse," one of the men growled, taking a step forward.
Rogue didn't hesitate. In one swift movement, he drew his dagger and held it to the man's throat.
"I said, is there a problem here?" he repeated, his voice low and dangerous.
The other men backed away, their bravado fading in the face of Rogue's fierce determination. They eventually slunk off into the shadows, leaving Rogue and the woman alone in the alley.
Rogue sheathed his dagger and turned to face her. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softer now.
The woman nodded, her eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Rogue felt a strange warmth spreading through his chest, something he hadn't felt in a long time. He couldn't explain it, but he knew he wanted to protect this woman, to keep her safe from harm.
"What's your name?" he asked, stepping closer to her.
She hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm Lady Isabella of the White Rose family," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rogue's heart skipped a beat. The White Rose family was one of the Black Cross's biggest rivals, known for their wealth and power.
He should have walked away then, should have left her to her own devices. But something about her drew him in, made him want to get to know her better.
"I'm Rogue," he said, offering her a small smile.
Isabella returned the smile, her eyes lighting up. For a moment, they simply stood there, looking at each other in the fading light.
It was the beginning of a forbidden romance, one that would test their loyalties and push them to their limits. But in that moment, all they could see was each other, and the promise of something more.