Ian spent three thankless years keeping the Empire running from the shadows while the princess and her loyal knight took all the credit. The day they dismissed him as a useless burden was also the day everything began to fall apart.

With a generous severance package and no intention of looking back, Ian heads north to enjoy a quiet, luxurious life. Instead, he's greeted by Carla—the infamous Grand Duchess feared across the continent—who unexpectedly asks him to marry her.

As the Empire scrambles to undo its biggest mistake, Ian finds himself living far more comfortably than ever... protected by a terrifying wife who has no intention of giving him back.