Synopsis: Princess Kaylan was no ordinary royal. Young, beautiful, clever-and rebellious beyond belief. Unlike any other princess, Kaylan preferred the streets over the palace halls, where she could often be found causing chaos, picking fights, and living freely. Her wild ways brought shame to her family and exasperation to her parents. Despite being a princess, Kaylan behaved as though she had no care for the royal image or responsibility. Her father, King Moreh, had tried everything to rein in her unruly behavior but to no avail. Her mother, the King's beloved fourth wife, feared for Kaylan's future, but even she could not change her daughter's wild heart. The constant complaints from the kingdom forced the King to make a drastic decision: Kaylan would be married off to Master Xander, the feared and merciless ruler of the Xander community. Master Xander was a man with a heart as cold as ice. Known for his ruthless tactics in war and unyielding leadership, he was feared more than ten kings combined. His daily life revolved around battle and punishment, leaving no room for compassion or joy. Rumors swirled about his two previous wives, both of whom had mysteriously died, leaving many to wonder if marrying him was a death sentence. When Kaylan learned of her arranged marriage to the monstrous Master, she was filled with dread. For the first time in her life, she vowed to change and become a true princess. But her father's mind was made up. No amount of pleading from her mother could alter his decision. Kaylan was to marry the Master, and there was no escape. Terrified yet defiant, Kaylan knew this marriage would either be her undoing or her greatest challenge. Could a reckless princess survive as the third wife of a heartless warrior? Or would she be another victim of his icy, unforgiving world?
Chapter 1 The Princess in Disguise
"Kaylan, are you sure about this?" Jaden whispered as they crouched behind a bush, nervously glancing around.
"Of course! Stop asking me," Kaylan replied, her voice low and husky. "For once, I begged someone not to report me to my mother, but that idiot still went ahead and painted me as the villain. He needs to pay."
Jaden sighed, knowing her best friend was unstoppable once she made up her mind.
Kaylan peeked over the bush again, confirming there were no onlookers, then stood up and tiptoed toward Philip's house, her heart racing with excitement.
His fruit stand was in full view, neatly arranged with rows of fresh produce, but that wouldn't stop her. Philip was a wicked man, and he deserved a lesson.
With a smirk, Kaylan approached the table, her hand poised to knock it over. With one swift push, the entire display collapsed, sending the fruits rolling across the ground.
Philip rushed out of his house, his face pale with shock. "What? Princess Kaylan?!"
Kaylan burst into laughter and grabbed two apples from the chaos before darting back toward the bush, handing one to Jaden as they began to run.
"Here. Let's go!" she said, and they bolted away as fast as they could.
"Stop right there!! How dare you?!" Philip shouted, chasing after them, but they were too quick for him.
Once they were sure Philip wasn't following, they collapsed against the wall of a nearby building, laughing breathlessly.
"Oh my God! You're such a badass, Kaylan!" Jaden gasped, clutching her stomach as she tried to catch her breath.
"That man is so cruel," Kaylan grumbled, taking a big bite from her apple. "The day I found out he beat his wife and kicked her out over a small argument, I swore I would never let him get away with it."
Jaden nodded but then gave her a stern look. "Your father's warned you about causing trouble. How did you even get out of the palace? I thought he assigned guards to you?"
"Well, I just gave them drinks," Kaylan said with a mischievous grin. "But, you know, the drinks were poisoned. They're all asleep in my room right now."
Jaden's eyes widened. "Wait, what? You're kidding, right?"
They both broke into laughter, barely able to breathe.
"Sometimes I wonder if you're really a princess," Jaden said between giggles.
"Oh, please! Royalty is boring," Kaylan rolled her eyes. "Soon, I'll run away and live the kind of life I want-free. I'll make sure Father never finds me. I've had enough of his boring lectures."
"You really plan on running away?" Jaden asked, shocked. "What about your mother?"
Kaylan paused and thought for a moment. "Well, that's true. Mother would never go with me. But I'll think of something."
They continued eating their apples, when suddenly, Jaden leaned in and whispered. "Kaylan, I overheard my father talking to someone from the King's cabinet this morning. They're looking for a bride for Master Xander."
Kaylan froze. "Xander? The cruel one who's lost two wives?"
"Yes. They requested a match from your father, but he refused, saying he wouldn't marry any of his daughters to someone like Xander."
Kaylan's eyes narrowed. "So, Xander's still looking for another wife?"
"Well, he doesn't want one," Jaden said. "But an heir is important. His cabinet is doing all the searching for him."
Kaylan frowned. "What happened to his late wives?"
"No one knows," Jaden shrugged. "It's a mystery. But I heard Xander is terrifying. He's never lost a battle, and people say his power is unmatched. They call him 'the handsome devil.'"
Kaylan rolled her eyes. "Well, Father should've married Rebecca to him. She's just as wicked as he is."
Jaden laughed, nudging her. "You're unbelievable, Kaylan."
Before they could continue, a voice shouted from behind them. "There they are! Get them!"
The two girls sprang to their feet and took off running, dodging people in the marketplace as they caused chaos, knocking goods over as they went.
"Sorry! Excuse me!" they shouted as they raced through the crowded street.
As they ran, they accidentally bumped into a vendor with a cart full of paint, sending colorful splashes across Kaylan's face and clothes.
"Oh my God! Kaylan, you look like a clown!" Jaden laughed so hard she could barely breathe.
"Come on! They're coming!" Kaylan urged, pulling her friend forward as they sprinted through the market.
Their running finally slowed when they turned a corner and found themselves in front of a royal carriage, the crowd parting respectfully.
"Oh no," Jaden whispered, realizing too late where they had ended up.
Kaylan looked up just in time to see the King, seated on a horse, staring at her in shock. Her heart dropped as she realized she was standing in front of her father, covered in paint and looking anything but like a princess.
It was too late to run now.
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