Prologue
My heart.
The first time Niel Adamson set foot in the kingdom of Newfield, he was only seven years old.
Around that very time, Queen Angelina Elesteen had fallen gravely ill and desperately needed medical care—more precisely, medicine that no one in the kingdom was skilled enough to create.
There were few scholars who understood the art of healing.
But among those few were Mr. and Mrs. Adamson, healers renowned for their knowledge of medicinal herbs and treatments. They arrived in Newfield with a single purpose: to save the queen's life.
Their skill astonished the entire kingdom. Their treatment of the queen was so extraordinary that the king rewarded them with a home inside the palace walls. They were treated with honor, respected as nobles, and admired by the people.
They did not only heal the queen—they treated anyone who needed help.
And yet, despite years of living in the palace, Lorraine Adamson, Niel's mother, never felt at home.
Time moved on, and after the death of her husband, William Adamson, she made the painful choice to leave Newfield and return to her homeland. King Garron had asked her to stay and pass down her knowledge to the people, hoping others would learn the art of medicine.
But no one cared to learn.
Young men lived for one dream:
to become warriors, knights who earned glory on the battlefield.
Young women sought only the bravest warriors to marry.
In this world, knowledge was worthless to them.
And so, Lorraine Adamson made the unbearable decision:
she left her son, Niel, in the care of King Garron Elesteen.
Before their departure, both she and William had passed down everything they knew to Niel. And with time, Niel grew to become the king's most trusted advisor—the right hand of the throne—and the caretaker of the queen's health.
Growing up, Niel was a content soul. He never asked for more than he had. Each time King Garron asked if he desired anything, Niel simply bowed his head and thanked him for taking his family into the palace.
He never wanted anything from the king…
—or so it seemed.
One quiet morning, Niel stood before King Garron, reporting the kingdom's current affairs.
"That is all," Niel said, his voice steady and confident. A small smile touched his lips. "The kingdom is in excellent condition, Your Highness. Perhaps the finest it has ever been."
"Well, I have you to thank for that, Niel," the king replied, settling comfortably in his throne. He studied the young man for a moment, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
A quiet thought crept into the king's mind.
It feels like only yesterday he first arrived here. He's grown into quite a remarkable young man.
"Niel," Garron said at last, "as my trusted advisor and right hand, you have done much for me. Yet I fear I have repaid only a fraction of what I owe you." He paused. "Speak your desire. If it lies within my power, I will grant it."
Niel let out a soft chuckle.
"With all due respect, Your Highness… you have asked me this too many times," he said, shaking his head. Honestly, it must be the hundredth time, he thought. The king had been asking him this question for years.
Garron's expression darkened, not with anger, but with a heavy seriousness that chilled Niel.
"Niel," he said quietly, "you are human. Whether you admit it or not, you possess desires. Speak the truth. What is it that you truly want?"
Niel's gaze lifted, awe flickering in his eyes before he lowered them again.
What do I want?
He had never asked for much. His parents' love had been enough. Even life in the palace hadn't changed that. Food, shelter, warmth—what more could a person need?
But…
Sweat began to form on his brow. His breath grew shallow. His voice trembled.
"Your Highness… if it lies within your power… may I make just one request?"
"Go on, Niel," the king said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
For years he had waited for this moment. Could this finally be the answer I seek?
But the king's anticipation faded, replaced by confusion as Niel spoke.
"I… I want you to give me my heart."
Garron blinked. "What kind of request is that, Niel? How am I supposed to give you something that is already inside you?"
"That is impossible," the king said, frowning—
but Niel cut him off.
"My king," he burst out, voice rising, "you have my heart in your hands!"
The king froze.
"Ever since my eyes met hers, my heart followed," Niel whispered. His voice softened, as if slipping into a dream. "She is my heart in human form… and all I want is for her to be by my side."
He stepped toward the king, pulled forward by emotion he could no longer restrain.
Garron straightened, unease flickering across his face.
"Niel… what are you trying to say?" he asked quietly.
Niel swallowed hard.
"What I'm trying to say is…"
He steadied himself.
"No. My request… is to take your daughter's hand in marriage."
His voice trembled—
but his conviction did not.