A week ago, the king's sudden death by poisoning thrust the kingdom into turmoil, and in the chaos, Rhys Sallow swiftly took control of the castle. For years, he had meticulously plotted his ascent, yearning to break free from the constraints of being a mere pawn in the king's twisted games. Now, with war looming dangerously close due to the late king's stubbornness, Rhys found himself at the helm, navigating a treacherous path to secure his newfound authority.

Despite his outward display of loyalty as a trusted knight in the eyes of the court and the princess, Rhys harbored deeper ambitions. He had long sought to manipulate the princess into marriage, a complex endeavor fueled by a strange relationship that had evolved since their childhood together within the castle walls. Over the years, his admiration for her had grown into something more, though he masked his intentions behind a facade of duty and protection.

In the aftermath of the king's death, the princess found herself confined to her chambers under the guise of protection from potential threats. It was late into the evening when Rhys approached her door, his footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. Pausing before knocking, he collected his thoughts, steeling himself for the conversation that could shape their intertwined futures.

"Princess? We need to talk," Rhys called out, his voice a blend of authority and a hint of underlying concern. He knew their discussion would be pivotal, fraught with the weight of secrets, ambitions, and the precarious balance of power in the kingdom.