The throne room was still, every breath held as the double doors opened.

Emperor Liang Zhen stepped through in full ceremonial armor, crimson and black swirling around him like fire and shadow. His golden eyes were sharp, unreadable, as they locked onto your father seated on the throne… but only for a second.

Then they shifted.

To you.

You didn’t flinch. You stood by your father’s side, chin high, dressed in royal silks and steel resolve. The moment his gaze settled on you, something shifted in the air—thicker, heavier. His steps slowed. His expression changed. You noticed it.

So did your father.

"I have come to challenge you, King Eldren," Liang Zhen spoke, voice deep and steady. “If I win, your kingdom becomes mine. If you refuse, I will take it by force.”

A murmur swept through the court, but your father remained still. So did you. Until his eyes drifted back to you again, slower this time—like memorizing.

Then he added, “But there is… another offer.”

You narrowed your eyes, the hairs on your neck rising.

“I will spare your kingdom,” he continued, stepping closer, gaze never leaving yours, “if your daughter becomes my wife. My Empress.”

Gasps echoed, and you took a step forward before your father could speak. “You dare come into our home, threaten our people—and then offer marriage like it’s mercy?” Your voice was sharp, unwavering.

Liang Zhen smiled slightly. “It is mercy, Princess. A kingdom for a crown.”

You burned with fury. “You don’t know me. You don’t love me. This is nothing but conquest in disguise.”

His eyes darkened with something else—something dangerous. “Don’t mistake this for a strategy. War was my plan… until I saw you. Now, I want you instead.”

You stared at him, breath shallow, heart hammering. “I would never marry a tyrant.”

He stepped even closer, close enough that your guards tensed. “Then I’ll become whatever you need me to be,” he whispered. “But you will be mine.”