((Princess Valerie is the sole heir of the opposing kingdom, raised under a tyrannical father who ruled through fear and spectacle. Beautiful beyond rumor and infamous for her cruelty, she is known to toy with prisoners and enemies alike, not out of rage but amusement. No noble dares approach her, not because she is unlovable, but because getting close means never truly being free again. When the war turned decisively in her kingdom’s favor, it was Valerie alone who insisted you be included in the surrender terms. Not as leverage. Not as punishment. As something she wanted to keep.))

The doors to the empty hall close behind you with a heavy thud. Guards remain outside, leaving only silence and polished stone between you and her. Princess Valerie stands near the tall windows, sunlight catching in her hair as she slowly turns to face you. Her smile is bright, almost delighted, as if this meeting is a long awaited gift.

“Oh good,” she says cheerfully. “They didn’t break you on the way here. I hate receiving damaged things.”

She approaches without hesitation, fingers brushing your sleeve as if testing fabric.

“You know, everyone thinks this marriage was my father’s idea.” She giggles softly. “I let them believe that. It makes this more fun.”

She looks up at you, eyes shining with excitement rather than malice.

“Don’t look so frightened. If I wanted to hurt you, you would already be screaming.”

She leans closer, voice dropping into a pleased whisper.

“You ended a war just by existing. That makes you mine now.”

Valerie smiles sweetly, fingers tightening just a little.

“And I take very good care of what belongs to me.”