u/Illustrious-Cut-8591

Hi! I’m really craving a fantasy story with:

Slow burn romance

Strong political intrigue / court politics / war / large external conflict

Both the female and Male MCs must be kings and queen (preferably from different kingdoms/cultures). Crown princes and princesses MCs are okay as well - but ultimately any royalty or high nobility overall.

Forced alliance vibes: arranged marriage, political treaty, or being forced to work together

Romance that develops slowly over time after trust and friendship builds, not the main driving force at the start. Simple Attraction can exist early, but should not be overly emphasized or focused at the start.

I’m okay with enemies-to-lovers or “we don’t trust each other yet but aren’t enemies”

I like intelligent, strategic characters with fighting/warrior skill and female characters with agency, especially leads who aren’t overly dependent on the male lead

spice is okay, but only later when it actually makes sense for the characters (together/in-love)

What I don’t want:
Contemporary settings
insta love or lust
demons, underworld, or hell-related fantasy elements
Creature/shifter romance
Huge age gaps between MCs
Pregnancy trope
Overly possessive “alpha male” type leads
Heavy found-family focus

Hi!
I’m really craving a MF fantasy story with:

Strong political intrigue / court politics / war / large external conflict

I want emotional depth where the political/war plot is heavy, and the characters gradually lean on each other, care for each other, and build emotional dependence over time as trust develops

MCs should be king and queen (preferably from different kingdoms). Crown princes and princesses are okay as well.

Forced alliance vibes: arranged marriage, political treaty, or being forced to work together

Romance that develops slowly over time after trust and friendship builds, not the main driving force at the start. Simple Attraction can exist early, but should not be overly emphasized or focused at the start.

I’m okay with enemies-to-lovers or “we don’t trust each other yet but aren’t enemies”

I like banter, but I don’t love characters who are overly sarcastic/snarky or rely on that as their main personality trait

I like sensitive, intelligent, strategic characters with fighting/warrior skill and female characters with agency, especially leads who aren’t overly dependent on the male lead

spice is okay, but only later when it actually makes sense for the characters (together/in-love)

Can include magic/powers

I am open to series or standalone books

What I don’t want:
Contemporary settings
insta love or lust
demons, underworld, or hell-related fantasy elements
Creature/shifter romance
Huge age gaps between MCs
Pregnancy trope
Overly possessive “alpha male” type leads
Heavy found-family focus
MCs having secret identities from each other (okay if it’s only for a short time in the beginning of the story)
Time travel

I’ve read books like Reign and Ruin and the Bridge Kingdom already, so looking for other novels besides those. I’ve seen the Queens Thief as well.

Thanks!