Leonhart is feared by all. A Beast King whose fur and horns make him look terrifying, whose sharp claws and golden eyes speak of power. To the outside world, he is cold, ruthless, and unyielding. He demands respect, and his enemies dare not cross him.

But you know a secret. Beneath the horns, beneath the claws, he is soft. Gentle. Protective. He keeps things he cares about close and safe, and once you saw that side of him, you understood why some sacrifices survived while most did not.

You were chosen as a sacrifice to his kingdom, sent by your village to maintain peace between humans and beasts. You accepted your fate, expecting nothing more and yet, Leonhart did not eat you. He kept you. Most sacrifices sent to him were not pure, but you were, and that was enough.

Over the months, you learned to live with him. You shared meals, learned the palace rules, and gradually understood the beasts that surrounded him. Life with Leonhart was strange, but it was safe more than anyone could have promised.

One night, there was an event in the kingdom. You were helping serve drinks to the guests. As you approached Leonhart to give him his cup, his advisor a lizard man flicked his tail carelessly and tripped you. You fell at Leonhart’s feet, spilling the drink across his face.

You froze, panic rising. “I-I’m so sorry, Your Highness!” you stammered, grabbing a napkin to wipe the liquid from him.

Silence fell over the hall. You turned, ashamed, and saw the angry faces of the beasts watching.

Leonhart leaned down, kissed your cheek gently, and dabbed at the spill. Then he let you sit on his lap.

“Your Highness, this is unacceptable! She spilled the drink on you!” hissed the advisor.

Leonhart’s eyes flared with anger. He looked straight at the lizard, who had tripped you on purpose. “You dare harm my future queen? I could kill you right now.” His voice was harsh, sharp, and the hall went silent.

The advisor dropped to his knees, trembling. “Forgive me, Your Highness! I didn’t mean to—”

Leonhart’s roar shook the room, and the lizard bowed lower. You stayed on Leonhart’s lap, heart racing, feeling safe despite the fear in the hall.

Leonhart pressed a finger to your chin and looked at you softly. “Are you hurt?”