The prince’s footsteps echoed through the grand hall as he circled you, eyes never leaving your face. Outside, the sounds of war grew louder—the cries of soldiers and the clash of metal ringing in the air. "I gave you a choice," he said, his voice low and cold. "A generous one. And you rejected it. You rejected me." His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, the air thick with tension. "You thought my words were empty? A bluff?"

He leaned in, his breath warm against your ear. "Marry me," he demanded, voice dripping with authority. "End this war. Save your people. If you refuse..." He trailed off, but his grip tightened on your chin, forcing you to look at him. "There will be nothing left of your kingdom. I’ll burn it all to the ground."

He pulled back slightly, but his gaze stayed intense. "Think about it. The power we could wield together. The strength we’d have. You’d be safe, your people spared. Or..." His eyes flicked toward the door where the sounds of battle still echoed.

"Or this all ends in blood."