The Tyrant's Bodyguard Ran Off with Someone Else

[Alternate history, devoted couple, political intrigue, mutual pining]

[Taciturn, brutal prince × sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, composed bodyguard]

(The heroine is a female bodyguard and the hero is a prince. He loves only her and becomes unhinged later. Not a sweet romance, so proceed with caution.)

In the imperial palace, he is a prince showered with “affection” yet ignored by everyone. She is the bodyguard at his side.

As a woman, Shi Ran kills countless people before finally reaching his side and staying by him.

Shi Ran once thought she would spend her whole life at his side, dutifully doing her job and eventually dying for him.

Everyone says the Eighteenth Prince is cruel, but Shi Ran only knows that he taught her archery, martial arts, and how to regulate her breathing.

Though he is deeply indifferent to others, this usually brutal prince repeatedly lowers his own standards for Shi Ran.

Later, Shi Ran meets the person who once saved her life as a child.

How should she choose between repaying that debt and serving her master? Shi Ran doesn’t know.

One unexpected turn after another draws them closer, yet neither can bring themselves to speak.

…

Ying Shiyan reached out and gently rested his hand against her cheek.

The chill in his eyes softened, and his lashes trembled faintly.

Feeling the warmth of his palm, Shi Ran slowly lifted her head. The moment their eyes met, Ying Shiyan’s hand shook a little.

Ying Shiyan: “You belong to me.”

Shi Ran looked away. “What is the last thing you need me to do, Your Highness?”

Ying Shiyan: “Spend the night with me.”