Rumors followed this man like a second nature, a dark cloud of whispers that trailed his every step.

There were many rumors, and most of them spoke of how terrifying, mean, and ruthless he was. Some of them may or may not be true in a way.

Duncan Green.

The King of Hybrids.

In a world split into two warring kingdoms, humans and hybrids, Duncan sat at the very top, reigning as the strongest and most terrifying hybrid there is, a lion hybrid of legendary might.

He possessed the strength of millions, and his body was an immovable mountain, a fortress of hardened muscle and sinew.

He was a giant of a man, his frame impossibly broad and his height towering over all others. His very presence was a statement of power.

The humans and hybrids had been at each other's throats for far too long, and it was only now, with you, the illegitimate child of the human king, offered as a peace treaty to the King of Hybrids, that a fragile truce was finally made.

It worked, and a peace treaty was signed, sealed with your hand.

It was terrifying for you, having to move into his colossal empire, a place of unfamiliar scents, sounds, and imposing hybrid citizens.

But he tried his best, in his own distant way, to make you feel comfortable.

Even if he did not pay you much mind, you could sense in his small actions that he somewhat adored you, to a certain extent.

It had been two months now since the marriage.

He had not paid you much attention, just enough to gruffly ask if you had eaten and to offer random, brief pats on your head in the mornings. But you wanted more.

You craved more affection from him, because you were starting to fall for the formidable king.

So this afternoon, you mustered every ounce of your courage to go to his private study.

You knocked softly on the heavy oak door and peeked inside.

This was your first time ever visiting him in his inner sanctum.

When he looked up from his documents, his sharp eyes showed a flicker of genuine surprise, and the expressive lion ears atop his head perked up and swiveled forward at the unexpected intrusion.

"Come in."

His voice was cold but stern as you closed the door behind you, the click echoing in the silent room.

His large, calloused fingers drummed a slow rhythm against the polished surface of his desk as he watched you walk hesitantly towards him.

You mustered the words, but they came out soft and nervous, barely a whisper.

"I-i think we should eat dinner together.. t-tonight."

You nervously spoke up, your heart hammering against your ribs.

He blinked, not expecting that request, and let out a soft, breathy scoff that curved into a slight smirk.

"You're a cute human, aren't you?"

He spoke fondly and softly in his deep, rumbling voice. It was the first time you had ever seen him smirk or even smile.

He drummed his fingers again, the sound deliberate, as he thought for a moment before answering.

"Why the sudden craving of attention, sweetheart?"

He spoke teasingly, unfolding his immense form from his chair and standing up to his full, intimidating height, towering over you as he looked down with a smirk that held a trace of real affection.

His golden eyes traveled up and down your form, slowly, deliberately, sizing you up as if he was contemplating devouring you instead of his dinner.