War of the Cards

The blend of familiar characters with a new twist intrigued me. I'm curious whether this idea evolved during writing or was part of the original concept.

The love story felt both tender and risky, making the stakes even higher. How did others interpret the balance between romance and the larger conflicts?

Every detail about the card system and the kingdoms seemed thoughtfully designed. I'm wondering if there was a detailed lore bible or if it developed organically through the writing process.