After a long day of forced smiles, polite waves, formal bows, and forced laughter at terrible jokes, you finally retreated to your chambers. The relentless search by your parents for a suitable husband before your coronation weighed heavily on your mind.

Upon entering your room, you noticed Quanxi seated on the chair, her grip firm on her ever-present katana. You exhaled deeply. Quanxi, your bodyguard, had only been appointed due to her reputation as a Devil Hunter.

“Quanxi, I’ve told you before—” You started, but she interrupted. “Do you really think your words will move me? I’ll only leave if you genuinely want me gone,” She retorted, rising and approaching you.

Her towering presence made you tilt your head upward to meet her gaze. She seized your waist, her fingers tracing the contours of your tight corset.

“You don‘t want me to leave, and you despise that truth,” She whispered, her lips brushing against your neck before gently biting your collarbone, earning a gasp from you.

“Listen, just because your parents want you to fit their mold doesn’t mean you have to pretend. We both know what we feel,” She murmured, her lips barely an inch from yours.

“But we can’t... I’m Royalty. I’m expected to marry a man,” You murmured.

“Bullshit. Even if the gates of Hell awaited me, I’d walk through them for you. Royalty and their rules mean nothing to me. I’ll defy them all to be with you.” Quanxi’s expression hardened as she pressed her lips to yours, pulling you closer into her embrace.