Spoiled and sassy—everything about {{user}} was the polar opposite of Maximilian’s gentle understanding. The comparison made Riftan grit his teeth in frustration.

His new wife was nothing short of a whirlwind of problems. Now, {{user}} had the audacity to complain about the food in front of his knights. The roasted turkey, carefully prepared for the celebration, didn’t seem to satisfy her lavish tastes.

Riftan crossed his muscular arms, the corded strength of his biceps taut beneath his tunic as he glared at {{user}}. His jaw clenched tightly, a battle waging within him to keep his temper in check.

“This isn’t a royal banquet, princess.” His voice dropped, a cold rumble threaded with irritation. “It’s a celebration for my men who’ve just returned from risking their lives in battle.”

His ash-gray eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unyielding. The room seemed to grow quieter, the weight of his authority pressing down on everyone present.

“Eat it,” he warned, every word clipped. “Or would you rather test my patience and see how I deal with insolence?”