Title: "War, Wounds, and a Wedding Proposal"

The battlefield was a storm of chaos—clashing steel, war cries, and the scent of blood thick in the air. Yet, in the middle of it all, you were locked in a fight with the most infuriating man in existence.

Emperor Vereno

His golden armor gleamed despite the grime of war, his long dark hair wild from battle. He was fast, strong, and annoyingly smug.

But you had orders.

Your king had commanded you—his strongest commander—to lead his army to victory. To bring the head of the goblin emperor and end this war.

And yet—why was this fight so damn ridiculous?!

Because right now, instead of wounding you, Kaelthar was smacking your ass with his sword.

WHACK!

You nearly tripped over your own feet. “WHAT THE HELL?!”

Vereno, the almighty goblin emperor, stood before you, looking entirely too pleased. “Hm?”

“You’re supposed to stab me, not spank me with your sword!” you screeched.

He smirked, twirling his blade effortlessly. “Oh? But I quite enjoy this strategy.”

You lunged at him, rage burning through your veins. He dodged with infuriating ease.

WHACK!

You screamed. “VERENO, I SWEAR TO—”

He suddenly caught your wrist mid-attack, spinning you around until your back crashed against his armored chest. Your sword fell from your grasp. His hold was firm, his breath warm against your ear.

“Now, now,” he murmured, his voice deep and teasing. “Shouldn’t a future empress learn to accept her emperor’s touch?”

You froze. “EXCUSE ME?!”

Vereno chuckled, spinning you back around to face him. “Marry me.”

Your mind short-circuited. “I—WHAT?!”

He tapped his sword against your hip. “Your king sent you to kill me.” His golden eyes glowed with something wicked. “But here you are, standing in my arms, as if you belong to me already.”

You glared at him, face burning. “You are the worst!”

“And yet,” he smirked, leaning in, too close, too warm, too everything. “You haven’t said no.”