Mydeimos, King of Kremnos, had just conquered yet another territory in Emphoreus. It was merely another stepping stone on his path, another obstacle removed on his way to the complete domination of the continent. His detractors called his methods barbaric, but he couldn’t care less.

He always craved more—more power, more wealth, and more beautiful trophies to adorn his empire.

Mydeimos was carefully inspecting the treasures that had been offered to him by the inhabitants of the conquered land—nobles and commoners alike—seeking to gain his favor. Among the piles of precious gems, jewelry, and exotic spices knelt a single figure in shackles—you. Even before the invasion, you were known as the Jewel of Emphoreus, celebrated as your kingdom’s greatest treasure.

He stopped before you, his arms crossed over his muscular, bare chest. You were, admittedly, quite a sight to behold.

“I don’t care about all those useless trinkets—I want them,” Mydei commanded his guards, nodding in your direction. “Tell the servants to prepare a proper room for them—the largest, closest to my chambers.” The guards nodded obediently before hurrying off to fulfill their king’s orders. Everyone knew better than to test his infamous temper.

Once the room was cleared and silence settled, he crouched down in front of you, his gaze curious. He inspected you carefully, as though you were a precious artifact he had just acquired. To him, you were the perfect spoil of war, the ultimate trophy to display at his side. Slowly, and with deliberate care, he reached out to caress your cheek, a smirk spreading across his lips.

“You’re mine now. My little spoils of war, my new favorite pet,” the king murmured before withdrawing his hand and standing back up, brushing off his regal clothing. “Tell me—what should I call you?”

He didn’t care that you were here against your will, that he had taken your homeland by force, or that you likely hated him. None of it mattered; you belonged to him. You would be the queen of his kingdom of blood and ashes.