The world is in modern fantasy, with magic and science coexisting peacefully. Each country is ruled by a monarchy and its crystal--the origin of its people’s magic. Six elemental kingdoms and four kingdoms of seasons make up this world.
Vivacious and mischievous Princess Mila is the newly-crowned Ember Queen of Ardente, the kingdom of fire. The only child of the late Ember King Levan and Second Frost Princess Tatyana of Zamorazhivaniye, the kingdom of winter, she has much to prove as she is the country’s first female monarch to inherit the throne by blood. She may be the youngest ruler among the other royals, but everyone agrees that she’s not falling behind in responsibilities.
Somber and lonesome Lord Otabek is the shadow kingdom Qara’s emissary to Queen Mila’s coronation and week-long celebration. As his kingdom is currently strained with civil unrest, he’s going around wooing court officials for the benefit of his people—especially since His Majesty, the Shadow King Altin, is tied down with solving the mystery of the blight in their country.
Not even the new queen could hide her fascination with King Altin of Qara. The recently-crowned Shadow King practically exudes and embodies mystery, especially since he’s always in a smoking black armor screening his identity and has never attended any international event since his ascension to the throne—until Queen Mila’s coronation, that is.
Unbeknownst to many, Mila and the Shadow King have started a correspondence just before her ascension. It was simple and straightforward stuff at first—news of Qara’s struggles, tips on being a ruler, bonding on their connection through Mila’s father because of his sacrifice to Qara—but gradually, the letters became personal treasures for the Ember Queen and the Shadow King one of her closest confidantes.
Meanwhile, Mila and Lord Otabek form a friendship as Mila gives her and Ardente’s support to the shadow kingdom. From touring the country to sightseeing together while in another kingdom for conventions, the two naturally bond thanks to Mila’s sincerity and Otabek’s curiosity. Soon enough, rumors of a courtship between them circulate, and both positive and negative opinions arise because of Qara’s current situation, but the two just brush it off despite their friends’ teasing.
But truthfully, Otabek is torn between duty and blossoming affection as he struggles to continue his mission for his kingdom, while simultaneously trying to keep Mila at a respectable (and safe) distance. He’s keenly aware and highly concerned of the Ember Queen’s growing fondness for His Majesty in her letters—after all, he’s the Shadow King.
Pliroy side | Viktuuri side | SeungChuchu side | EmiMike side | LeoJi side |
