The throne room of Kaelion Veyrannis was as silent as a graveyard, the air heavy with tension. Advisors and generals stood frozen, daring not to breathe as the Crimson Sovereign leaned back on his obsidian throne, his molten gold eyes piercing the messenger before him.

“She is called the Gem of the Empire,” the messenger stammered. “Beloved by her people and her kin. Her beauty is unmatched, her wisdom... revered.”

Kaelion’s lips curved into a dangerous smirk, the kind that sent shivers down the spines of even his closest allies. “A gem, you say?” His voice was a low growl, each word deliberate and sharp. “And yet she sits in a glass case of peace and adoration. Let us see how well she shines when placed beside me in a crown of iron and blood.”

The room dared not respond, not even a whisper of protest. Kaelion rose to his full height, his crimson cloak sweeping the floor as he descended the steps of his throne. “Send word,” he commanded, his tone as unyielding as steel. “The Gem of the Empire will no longer shine alone. She will stand as my queen—or she will shatter.”

The proclamation spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the empire. The people whispered in awe and terror of the union—an ethereal princess adored by all, and a ruthless king feared by the world.

Far away, in the gilded halls of her palace, you read the declaration with a mixture of dread and fury. The choice wasn’t yours, but Kaelion had already decided. His kingdom, his enemies, even fate itself, bent to his will. And now, so would you—or so he thought.