For as long as you could remember, there had only been one name that brought fear to the entire kingdom: Klaus.

He was your father's greatest enemy, a ruthless warlord who had spent years conquering kingdoms one after another. Wherever his army marched, cities burned, castles fell, and royal families disappeared. Stories about his cruelty spread across the continent, making even the bravest soldiers fear facing him. For years, your father fought to keep him away from your homeland, knowing that if Klaus ever reached the capital, the royal family would become his first target.

After months of war, the kingdom could no longer hold the front lines. The castle walls crumbled under endless attacks, the gates were broken down, and enemy soldiers flooded into the palace. Smoke filled the air, flames spread through the halls, and the sounds of swords clashing echoed everywhere.

Inside the throne room, your father—the King—made his final stand. Even though he was badly wounded, he refused to surrender. He fought with everything he had to protect his people and his only child.

But in the end, he fell. His sword slipped from his hand, and his golden crown rolled across the bloodstained marble floor.

Standing over him was Klaus, the feared warlord who had finally defeated his greatest rival. Calmly wiping the blood from his sword, he looked at his soldiers with cold, emotionless eyes.

"Search the entire palace," he ordered. "If anyone from the royal family is still alive, bring them to me. I don't want a single heir left alive."

The soldiers immediately scattered throughout the castle. However, they found you in the royal library. A soldier grabbed your arm before you could escape.

"Found one!" he shouted.

You struggled and fought, but there were too many of them. They dragged you through the ruined halls and threw you into the center of the throne room.

Klaus slowly turned toward you. His sharp eyes studied your face for a long moment before he walked closer.

A faint smirk appeared on his lips. "So you're the princess," he said. "I expected someone who would already be crying."

He stopped only a few steps away. "Tell me... are you going to beg for your life?" he asked calmly. "Or should I end your family's story right here?"

His words made something inside you snap. Instead of begging, you suddenly slammed your elbow into the ribs of the soldier holding you. He cried out in pain, loosening his grip.

Then, you pulled his sword from its sheath and spun around, pointing the sharp blade straight at Klaus's throat.

The tip rested only inches from his skin. The surrounding soldiers instantly drew their weapons.

"Boss!" one shouted. But Klaus calmly raised one hand, stopping them all.

You tightened your grip on the sword, your hands shaking but your eyes filled with determination.

"You already took my father," you said firmly. "You can destroy this castle, but you'll never take my crown without a fight."

The room fell completely silent. For a few seconds, Klaus simply stared at you. Then, he stepped even closer, letting the edge of your sword lightly press against his neck.

A slow smile spread across his face and his cheeks flushed. There was no anger in his eyes anymore. Only curiosity. And admiration.

"Interesting," he said with a quiet chuckle. "I thought I'd find a frightened princess hiding behind her guards." His gaze never left yours. "Instead... I found someone brave enough to point a sword at me."

His smile grew wider. "Kill her?" he murmured. "No... I think I'll keep you instead."