= Nulla » Zero Matter

== extended summary

Captain Kilyan has ruled the seas as the king of pirates for years,
but one journal changes his course forever.
Now he must prove himself worthy of a life he never lived,
as the long-lost heir to the throne of Kirboda.
He finds himself delving deep into the world of fanciful balls, complicated politics, and international war.
Despite his best efforts in a struggle for domination,
the opposing king demands his head on a silver platter.

Run he must, and run he does.
In fact, he runs straight into the arms of a damsel in his most desperate time of need.

=== epigraph

> Life was cheap in war.

— *Unbroken*, Laura Hillenbrand

=== dedication

To those who dream of castles and crowns,
and to those who wish they hadn’t outgrown the fairytales of their childhood.

=== acknowledgments

God, always.
Without Him, I wouldn’t be here to be writing this story right now.
Thanks to Megs for being patient with me since I told her I’d write this story in middle school and just never got around to doing it
and to Justin for tolerating me every time I barge into his room to agonize over this story.
Also a huge thank you to Posey for helping me while I tried to do proper world building for Luven years ago
and to Lucien for forever encouraging me with his sheer love.

And all my love to you as well, dear reader, for embarking on this journey with me.
I appreciate all you do for me.

[WARNING]
====
- character death(s)
- abuse
- violence
- sunken ship(s)
====

== preface

This may be the millionth time I’ve tried writing and posting this story.
I hope that’s a sign not only of how far this monster of a story has pushed my boundaries
but also of the amount of effort and love I’ve poured into this universe.
Although as a reader you will only witness a small corner of the universe at a very brief moment in time,
in my mind War Crimes is a necessary introduction to the entire world of Luven.
Here’s to embarking on this journey with me.

Beware the rough seas ahead.