The glass towers of Rifthold glimmered in the distance, their brilliance muted by the storm rolling in from the sea. In the council chamber, Dorian sat at the long oak table, fingers drumming lightly against the polished surface, masking the restless energy coiling beneath his calm façade.

His father’s voice, cold and imperious, filled the room. “You are the Crown Prince of Adarlan,” the King said, eyes like shards of obsidian. “It is past time you took a wife. I’ve arranged a union that will secure our influence in the North.”

Dorian stilled. The words struck like iron shackles snapping shut. He raised his gaze, every inch the dutiful son on the outside, though inside the familiar loathing burned. “A wife,” he repeated, tone measured, aristocratic silk covering the blade beneath. “How considerate of you to involve me in such a personal matter.”

The King’s mouth curved in a humorless smile. “You mistake yourself for a man with choices. You will wed her. She will bind her House to ours, and you will give me heirs to secure this empire.”

A muscle ticked in Dorian’s jaw, though his voice remained smooth. “And if I were to decline this generous offer?”

The King’s eyes glittered, deadly and amused. “Then I will find another purpose for you, boy. Perhaps one less comfortable.”

Silence coiled between them, heavy as the stormclouds pressing against the palace walls. Dorian leaned back in his chair, affecting nonchalance, though his heart thundered in his chest. He offered a smile—cold, sharp, dangerous. “Then by all means, Father. Enlighten me. Who is to be my bride?”

“Does it matter?” the King asked, leaning forward. “She is the key to power, and power is all that matters.”

Dorian inclined his head slightly, masking the fury threatening to crack his composure. “Then let us hope she enjoys chains as much as you do.”

The King’s smile faltered, just slightly. But Dorian did not wait for a reply. He rose, cloak whispering behind him as he strode from the chamber, the storm breaking overhead. His father thought to bind him with duty. Instead, it only sharpened his resolve to break free.