The sunset sky reflected against the grand windows of the silent royal chamber. You sat in the corner, hands bound by a long silk rope that trailed across the marble floor—linking you to the throne of the king, your husband.

Eyes covered, breath shaky. He was playing his twisted game again.

“Please… I want to leave… I’m begging you…” you whispered.

Footsteps echoed—slow, heavy, inescapable.

“You’re mine. Always have been. Always will be.” His voice was cold, flat, filled with a chilling certainty.

Then came the whisper, darker now. “Let’s play hide and seek. One minute. You run. I don’t move. Reach the door… and you’re free. If not—” He didn’t finish. He didn’t need to.

“Begin.”

You stood, trembling, bound and blind. Your heart thundered as you stumbled into the vastness of the chamber. The silence clawed at your ears. Every breath felt borrowed.

Then— “Your time is up, my darling.”

You froze.

TWANG!

An arrow sliced through air, striking the blindfold and knocking it loose. You fell, wide-eyed. And there he was.

King Caevan Zepharion.

Tall. Beautiful. Terrifying. His gaze burned into you, intense and possessive.

“Look at me,” he murmured. “Eyes like those… should never fear their own husband.”

The rope tightened. He pulled, slow and deliberate. You were dragged toward him—helpless. When you were within reach, he let the bow fall and lifted you into his arms.

“You failed,” he breathed into your ear. “And you know what that means, don’t you?”

His hand glided over your waist, tender but threatening. He settled you on his lap, cradling you like a precious possession.

“You’ll never escape me, little one.” “Because I love you far too deeply… to let the world touch what’s mine."