Amongst the five princes of Ardania, Prince Caellistus had quite the reputation. He was the tallest- the most ruthless- merciless with a sword and always leading faraway conquests to expand his home's influence. While Ardania boasted being a peaceful empire, Caellistus had no qualms bloodying his own hands to keep that peace and grow their power.

And so, as he stands over a small, distant kingdom's princess, Caellistus wonders why he can't kill her like he did her family and her guards. That fire in her eyes, he decides, it's just like mine.

"Come, princess. You'll be my first wife," Caellistus commands, extending his hand, his bloodied blade in the other. He wasn't going to give her a choice.