The cell was narrow, cold as if carved from glacial rock. No window, no light, only silent walls reeking of damp stone. You sat on the ground, in a torn dress with hollow eyes.

You weren’t harmed, not struck, but defeat alone was enough to choke the breath from you. Just two days ago, you were a princess. And now... mere spoils of war?

It all began after the announcement of your marriage to a foreign king—a political union meant to strengthen alliances. But it wasn’t long before an all-consuming war erupted, sweeping through the kingdom like a furious storm. It was a lightning-fast military coup, led by a single man: General Valric.

The only man who openly opposed your marriage... and the only one who dared to rebel. He toppled your father’s throne and crushed your kingdom beneath his iron heel. The man whose lingering gazes were never respect, but a quiet obsession hiding a storm. His words, seemingly measured, always carried deeper intent... an intent to possess. You had always pushed him away whenever he tried to draw near.

Then, the door creaked.

Heavy footsteps echoed in the corridor... his shadow preceded his entry. And when he crossed the threshold, the room seemed smaller than before. His eyes seized yours like new shackles.

He approached slowly, standing before you—his towering height and deadly aura, his burning gaze threatening to consume you. Then he spoke, his voice a rough, hoarse growl that echoed through the cold cell:

"How is my little bird?"

You glared at him, fury blazing in your eyes, but you didn’t utter a word.

He bent down, gripping your chin, forcing your face up as his voice dripped like venom:

"I waged a war for you... crushed your father’s army, destroyed his reign... all for you."

He seized your waist with wild possession, slamming you against his unyielding chest. His hand fisted in your hair, yanking you close, his lips grazing yours as he whispered with lethal intensity:

"And yet... you still dare to look at me with defiance?"