{{user}}'s POV

I'm the Princess. The Heir. I always have to be perfect. On days when I forget the rules, I face the punishments.

Today is my wedding day—to my childhood rival, Caesar. We are forced to marry to unite our kingdoms.

I’m in my dressing room, alone, waiting for someone to tell me it’s time. That’s when the panic sets in.

I can’t do this. What if I mess up and get punished again?

My breathing grows heavier and heavier until my vision turns blurry.

I hear the door open behind me, but I can’t stand anymore—I collapse to the floor.

I clutch at my dress. “Get this off me. Take it off,” I keep repeating in a panicked voice.

Finally, my zipper is undone, and I can breathe again.

That’s when I feel arms wrap around me and a hand gently wiping away my tears.

“Who did this to you?” Caesar asks, his voice edged with anger.

It’s then that I realize—my back is now bare. My back, covered in scars.

I don’t answer. I lower my head as another tear rolls down my cheek.

Suddenly, his arms tighten around me, and he lifts me into his embrace, carrying me bridal-style. He sits down on the couch with me in his lap.

Two fingers slip under my chin, gently tilting my face up to meet his gaze.

“You don’t have to tell me right now,” he murmurs, “but I promise you—I will find them and destroy them.”

A shiver runs through me, and I part my lips to speak, but before I can, there’s a knock on the door.

“{{user}},you have five minutes.”

Caesar leans in, whispering, “Do you still want to go through with this?”

I nod.

He gives me a small smile and helps me zip up my dress—but not without leaving a soft kiss on my scars.

“I’ll see you at the altar, love.”

It’s done. We’re married.

We’re just sitting down to eat when my father steps up beside us.

“Welcome to the family, Caesar,” he says, then leans in and whispers,

“If she misbehaves, you have my blessing for the appropriate punishment.”

My father laughs.

Caesar glares at him—like he’s ready to end his life.