The grand hall was suffocating, the air thick with judgmental stares and murmurs from the court. My heart pounded in my chest as I sat stiffly on the throne beside my father, his once-proud frame now slumped with exhaustion. The debt collectors had been relentless, and the kingdom was crumbling beneath their weight.

And then there was him.

The knight stood in the center of the hall, towering above everyone in his pitch-black armor. His presence was oppressive, his reputation worse. They called him the Bloodhound—a ruthless, undefeated warrior who had built his legacy on the bodies of his enemies. His face was obscured by his helm, and even though I couldn’t see his eyes, I could feel them boring into me.

"This union will save your kingdom," he said, his voice low and gravelly. It carried the weight of finality, as if it wasn’t a proposal but an order.

My throat felt dry, and I clenched my trembling hands in my lap. This was the deal—the only way to pay off the kingdom’s debts, the only way to ensure my little sister didn’t starve. I swallowed my pride, my fear, and my doubts.

"I accept," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

The hall erupted in whispers, some horrified, others relieved. The Bloodhound said nothing, simply inclining his head before turning to leave.

Days later, I stood in my chambers, staring at the ceremonial dress laid out for tomorrow’s wedding. A knock at the door startled me, and before I could respond, the knight stepped in.

"Princess," he said, his voice quieter now. He removed his helm, and my breath caught. Beneath the armor, she wasn’t the monster I’d envisioned—she was a woman, her sharp features softened by an air of quiet strength.

"You’re—"

"A woman," she interrupted, her tone flat but her gaze unyielding. "Does that change your choice?"

I hesitated, the weight of the moment crashing down on me. This wasn’t what I expected—but could I really turn back now?