Square Enix’s The Princess Groom begins with a familiar arranged-marriage setup, then immediately gives it a stylish fantasy twist. Instead of waiting for a prince to rescue her, Leticia Orlesian is the one doing the rescuing—and her brooding fiancé may be exactly the kind of man who wants to be swept off his feet.
Written by Asaki Asagiri and illustrated by selen, The Princess Groom, Volume 1 arrived in English from Square Enix Manga on August 4, 2026. The 208-page Teen-rated release is available in trade paperback and digital formats, with romance, fantasy, and drama all playing a part in its opening story.
At first glance, Leticia appears to be the perfect noble lady. Known as the belle poupée, or “beautiful doll,” she has the delicate appearance and refined manners expected of a duke’s daughter. That image is more performance than reality, however. Behind the elegant façade is a fearless young woman who is more than capable of charging into danger.
Her biggest secret is a magical ring that allows her to transform into the handsome and powerful Frost Dragon Emperor. In this form, Leticia has earned a reputation for heroic exploits, creating a wonderfully amusing contrast between the supposedly fragile noblewoman and the gallant figure admired throughout the kingdom.
A cursed prince meets his unexpected protector
Leticia’s carefully managed life becomes considerably more complicated when she meets Gilbert Rothman, the second-born prince and her arranged fiancé. Gilbert is feared and avoided because of his crimson eyes, which are associated with a troubling history in the royal bloodline. Those suspicions have earned him the nickname “Cursed Prince,” and his response has been to retreat behind a chilly, defensive personality.
Unsurprisingly, the couple’s first meeting is a disaster. Leticia tries to behave like the obedient noblewoman everyone expects her to be, while Gilbert bluntly declares that she is not his type and that he will never love her. His dramatic exit leads him to a brothel he visits regularly, with Leticia following close behind—and the story quickly shifts from awkward courtship to genuine trouble.
That sequence gives the volume its first major spark. Leticia eventually drops much of her polite act, revealing the bold personality that has been hiding underneath. Gilbert, meanwhile, begins to show that his icy exterior conceals someone far more vulnerable. The dynamic is not quite what readers may expect from a fantasy romance, and that is where The Princess Groom starts to distinguish itself.
The role reversal is the real charm
The most entertaining part of Volume 1 is the way it rearranges familiar romance roles. Gilbert is the prince, but he is not presented as an effortlessly confident romantic hero. He wants affection, reassurance, and someone willing to treat him with tenderness. Leticia is the one with the confidence, combat ability, and decisive personality—and she clearly enjoys taking charge.
That balance makes their early relationship unusually fun to watch. Leticia is not interested in waiting for Gilbert to become a traditional leading man. She would much rather protect him, dote on him, and make him blush. Gilbert’s reactions to her sudden bursts of confidence are among the volume’s best comedic moments, while his more vulnerable side gives the romance an emotional foundation beyond simple bickering.
The first volume spends a substantial amount of time establishing both characters and the social pressures surrounding them. Almost the entire book is devoted to its opening chapter, followed by a shorter second installment. The structure may feel unusual, but it allows the central pair to receive more attention than they might in a faster-moving romance.
A promising fantasy romance with room to grow
Selen’s artwork handles the series’ shifting moods especially well. Leticia’s public persona, her Frost Dragon Emperor identity, and her more mischievous private self all feel visually distinct without seeming like separate characters. Gilbert receives the same care, moving convincingly between an intimidating prince, an awkward fiancé, and someone quietly desperate to be loved.
The action scenes also help keep the volume from becoming a purely domestic courtship story. Swordplay, danger, and Leticia’s heroic alter ego give the romance some extra momentum, while the quieter scenes allow the emotional contrast between the leads to take center stage.
Square Enix’s English edition includes a color page and a preview of Volume 2. The publisher lists the second volume for January 5, 2027, and its synopsis indicates that Leticia and Gilbert will already be married when they face the next round of royal prejudice surrounding his supposedly cursed eyes. That suggests the series is ready to move beyond the initial courtship and explore what happens after the “happily ever after” begins.
The Princess Groom, Volume 1 is not a perfectly polished romance from its first page, and its slow opening may test readers who prefer immediate plot progression. Still, the central pairing has plenty of personality, the role reversal is genuinely entertaining, and the mix of magical identity drama and courtly romance gives the series a clear identity. Leticia and Gilbert are worth keeping an eye on as their unconventional marriage develops.
Sources
squareenixmangaandbooks.square-enix-games.com
penguinrandomhouse.com
