ELARA'S POV
I won't marry him. My voice shook but held firm. I'd rather die.
The soldier gripping my arm laughed. The General doesn't care what you'd rather do, Princess.
They dragged me back through hallways painted with blood. Past bodies of guards who'd protected me since childhood. Past my father's corpse, still warm.
I tried not to look. Failed.
The wedding hall looked like a graveyard. Most guests had fled. The survivors huddled in corners, too terrified to move. White flowers hung crushed and bloody.
My dropped bouquet lay in a pool of red.
Emperor Valtor sat in a chair someone had brought for him, sipping wine like he was watching entertainment. Cassia stood beside him wearing both crowns. Theron lurked in shadows, looking sick.
A man in black priest's robes waited at the altar—military, not religious. He wore a sword.
The soldiers shoved me forward. I stumbled and caught myself against the altar steps. The same steps I'd climbed hours ago expecting joy.
General Kaedan followed. His boots left bloody prints with each step. When he stopped beside me at the altar, I felt the heat of his body despite the cold in his eyes.
Too close. He was standing too close.
Kneel, the priest commanded.
No. I lifted my chin. I'm a princess of Ashencourt. I kneel to no one.
Kaedan moved so fast I didn't see it coming. His hand closed on my shoulder—firm but not painful—and forced me down to my knees. His touch burned through the fabric of my dress.
You're a princess of a dead kingdom, he said quietly, leaning close enough that his breath stirred my hair. Kneel or be forced. Choose.
His voice was low, meant only for me. Something in it made my skin prickle—not quite a threat. Something darker.
I stayed on my knees but glared up at him with all my hate.
His silver eyes caught the candlelight. For just a second, something flickered there—not quite amusement. Not quite interest. Something I couldn't name.
The priest began speaking in harsh military language. Kaedan responded without looking away from me, and I hated how aware I was of him. Of his height. His presence. The controlled strength in every movement.
He was a killer. A monster. I should only see that.
So why did my traitorous brain notice the sharp line of his jaw? The way candlelight caught in his silver hair?
Do you accept this union? the priest finally asked me.
Every eye in the hall turned toward me. Waiting. Expecting surrender.
I thought about my father's last words: Be brave, little star.
I thought about Cassia's betrayal. Theron's cowardice. This General's cold cruelty.
I thought about what they expected—a broken princess begging for mercy.
Instead, I gathered every bit of moisture in my mouth and spat directly in General Kaedan's face.
The hall went silent as death.
Spit dripped down his sharp cheekbone. He didn't move. Didn't blink.
Then, impossibly, the corner of his mouth twitched.
Not quite a smile. Something more dangerous.
Emperor Valtor started laughing. Oh, this is perfect! General, your bride has spirit!
Kaedan slowly wiped his face, never breaking eye contact with me. His silver eyes darkened—not with anger. With something that made my heart race for reasons that had nothing to do with fear.
Kill her! Cassia hissed. She insulted him! Execute her now!
Yes, I said, meeting Kaedan's gaze. Kill me. I'd rather be dead than yours. I will never be yours, General. So kill me now, or spend every single day wishing you had.
The threat hung between us.
Kaedan studied me for a long, breathless moment. Then he moved—one step closer, invading my space. I had to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact.
He crouched down suddenly, bringing his face level with mine. So close I could see gold flecks in his silver eyes. So close I could smell steel and snow and leather.
No, he said softly. His voice sent shivers down my spine. I don't think I will.
No? Cassia sputtered. She disrespected
I said no. Kaedan's hand shot out and caught my chin, forcing me to hold his gaze. His grip was firm but not painful. Possessive. This one's interesting. I think I'll keep her.
His thumb brushed across my lower lip, so quick I almost thought I imagined it.
I jerked away from his touch, heart hammering. I'll hate you forever.
I know. His eyes gleamed with something dark and hungry. I think that's what makes you so fascinating, Princess. Every other royal I've conquered begged or broke within hours. But you? His voice dropped lower. You spit in my face and promise me a lifetime of defiance.
He stood in one fluid motion. Continue the ceremony.
But she refused! the priest protested.
I don't care. Kaedan looked down at me with an expression I couldn't read. She can scream through the whole thing. Fight every second. It changes nothing. This wedding will happen.
I won't say the words, I hissed. I'll
Then don't. He extended his hand to me—not ordering, almost... offering. But you're still going to be my wife when this is done.
I stared at his outstretched hand. Strong. Scarred. The hand that had killed my father.
I hate you, I whispered.
Yes. You've made that abundantly clear. His lips curved into that dangerous almost-smile. Now get up, Princess. On your feet or on your knees, your choice. But either way, we're finishing this.
When I didn't take his hand, he reached down and pulled me to my feet himself. His hands on my waist were firm, controlling. He held me longer than necessary, silver eyes searching my face.
Let. Go. I bit out each word.
Soon. His voice was barely above a whisper. But not yet.
The priest rushed through the ceremony while I stood rigid in Kaedan's grip. I didn't say yes. Didn't agree to anything.
It didn't matter.
When the priest declared us married, a soldier brought a red cord. Kaedan took it and wrapped it around our joined wrists himself, his movements deliberate, almost gentle.
His fingers brushed my pulse point. Lingered there.
He could feel my heart racing. I knew he could.
By the power of Emperor Valtor, the priest announced, I declare you husband and wife. General Kaedan Drakmir and Princess Elara Drakmir.
The name felt like chains.
Kaedan untied the cord slowly, his fingers trailing across my wrist. When he spoke, his voice was meant only for me.
Come, wife. We're leaving.
I'm not going anywhere with you!
He stepped closer, so close our bodies almost touched. I could feel the heat radiating from him.
You can walk, he said quietly, his breath warm against my ear. Or I can carry you over my shoulder like the spoils of war you are. Choose quickly.
The way he said it—dark promise mixed with barely restrained something—made my breath catch.
I looked desperately around the hall. At Cassia's cold satisfaction. At Theron's guilty silence. At the Emperor's cruel smile.
At my father's blood still wet on the floor.
No one was coming to save me.
I hate you, I whispered again, because it was the only weapon I had left.
Kaedan's hand came up to my face. His thumb traced my cheekbone in a touch so gentle it shocked me.
I know, he said softly. His silver eyes held something I couldn't name—possession, fascination, dark promise. And I find that I don't mind at all.
He dropped his hand and turned toward the exit. Walk, Princess.
My legs moved automatically. Behind us, Valtor called out cheerfully.
Oh, General? One more thing.
Kaedan stopped. His hand found the small of my back—proprietary, possessive. Your Majesty?
The princess knows about something called the Vault of Binding. Ancient magic her father protected. I want it. Use whatever methods necessary.
Ice flooded my veins. The Vault. Father's most protected secret.
Kaedan's hand tightened fractionally against my back. Understood.
As we walked out, a soldier appeared with a cup of dark liquid. For the princess, General. To help her... adjust.
Drugged. They were going to drug me.
No! I tried to twist away, but Kaedan caught me against his chest. One arm wrapped around my waist, holding me immobile. The other hand caught my jaw.
I was trapped against him—felt the hard muscle, the controlled strength, the heat of his body.
Don't fight this, he said quietly. It'll only make it worse.
Let me go!
His arm tightened. I can't do that.
They pried my jaw open and poured the bitter liquid down my throat. I choked, sputtered, but Kaedan's hand on my jaw held firm until I swallowed.
When they released me, I stumbled. The world already felt fuzzy.
Kaedan caught me easily, one arm sliding behind my knees as he lifted me against his chest.
Put me down, I slurred, fighting the drug's pull.
No. He adjusted his grip, holding me closer. You'll hurt yourself if you fall.
I'll escape, I managed, my head falling against his shoulder despite my best efforts. I'll run. I'll find a way to
No, you won't. His voice was surprisingly gentle. Because where I'm taking you, Princess, there's nowhere to run. And even if there was...
His arms tightened around me.
I'd find you. Every time. You're mine now.
The possessiveness in his voice should have terrified me.
Instead, as darkness swallowed me whole, the last thing I felt was the steady beat of his heart against my cheek.
And the terrifying realization that some part of me, some traitorous, broken part, felt almost... safe.