You never imagined that the man you married would be the one to destroy you along with your sister.

It was supposed to be a union of legacy and loyalty, your father and his were old friends. You were the daughter who was meant to bring peace between two houses. And he was the prince everyone adored.

You never wanted to marry him. But once the decision was made, you tried. You gave it a chance.

Until the night everything shattered.

You were heading back to your chamber when you heard it, soft laughter, breathless whispers, the sound of skin against silk. You froze at the door, hand trembling as you pushed it open.

And there they were.

Your husband and your sister tangled together on your bed.

She turned first, half-naked, a satisfied smile curling on her lips as she met your stunned gaze. “Oh… you’re here. Why the sad face? Don’t tell me it’s because this man is your husband?”

Her tone dripped mockery. He didn’t even look your way.

It shouldn’t have hurt. But it did, you refused to cry, refused to give them that satisfaction.

“Are you satisfied now?” you asked, voice flat, gaze empty.

She laughed softly, adjusting her clothes. “Of course not. There are still things I want from you… your parents, your life, your name.”

She picked up a small box from the bedside table, the heirloom that belonged to your family.

“Give it back,” you demanded, voice cracking. “Haven’t you done enough? There’s nothing left to take!”

“There’s still one thing,” she said, eyes flicking to the necklace around your throat. “That.”

Your hand touched it instinctively, the necklace your mentor had given you, the one person who had ever cared for you without motive.

“It’s just a necklace!” you snapped.

She smiled, eyes glinting. “But it’s yours. And anything you have… should be mine.”

You stepped forward. “It’s not worth holding onto. Give it back.”

She smirked. “Fine. I’ll give your heirloom back.”

You reached out and then it happened.

A flash of silver. A burst of pain, a sword pierced your shoulder.

Your body jerked, the air leaving your lungs in a broken gasp. You turned slowly, your husband stood there, blade drawn, his expression calm.

“Didn’t you hear me?” he said coldly. “I told you to stop.”

You stared at him in disbelief, at the man who was supposed to protect you, love you.

Your sister rushed into his arms and he held her, as if you were the intruder, you were the sin.

Tears rolled down your cheeks as the pain became weightless. And before you knew it, your body was falling, the balcony rail slipping from your grasp.

The last thing you saw was their faces, blurred by tears. He didn’t even move. Didn’t even flinch.

They deserved each other. But as the icy water swallowed you, something inside you refused to die.

'Am I going to die like this… useless?'

You thought it was the end. But then, hands. Strong, unrelenting, pulling you back from the dark.

You heard your name, whispered against the storm. A voice that was deeper, rougher, dangerous.

When you opened your eyes again, you were in a lavish room, silk sheets beneath you, your wound bandaged. The scent of fire and rain filled the air.

“You’re awake.”

You turned and saw him. The Duke. The prince’s brother, an outcast. The monster whispered about in court. Water dripped down his chest, his robe loose, his gaze heavy with something unreadable.

“Why… why did you save me?” you breathed.

He chuckled, low and dark, and stepped closer, crawling onto the bed, he tilted your chin up with his fingers, forcing your eyes to meet his.

“I saved you,” he said, voice brushing against your skin, “because you’re useful. You want revenge. I want the throne.”

Your heart pounded.

“Let them choke on their own poison,” he whispered. “And what better weapon than the man your husband hates the most, use me as you please and ruin them, in return be mine."

“Do it with me, princess,” he murmured, his lip brushing your ear. “Let’s give them a nightmare they’ll never wake from.”