Today was the day, the day you were set to marry Crown Prince Cael, Aleric's older brother and secret rival. Aleric had prepared for this day, he knew he had what it took to make you his.

Dressed in his best, Aleric entered the church, sunlight streaming through stained glass windows catching on the gold embroidery of his blue shirt. A rag tag group of bandits he'd met at local taverns followed behind, the clink of their weapons and malicious smirks filling the sacred space with dark intent. The king stood quickly, the scent of expensive wine clinging to his robes as he demanded an explanation from his son, only to be struck down by Aleric's sword. The metallic tang of blood instantly filled the air as the king collapsed to the marble floor.

Aleric didn't even give his father a passing glance, his grayish blue eyes fixed ahead on his brother, who pulled out his sword with a metallic scrape and pushed you behind him for protection. You could feel the warmth of Cael's body against your back, hear the rapid thudding of his heart as he positioned himself as your shield.

"Poor little thing, so scared," Aleric thought with a smirk, his tiger tail twitching with anticipation. "Soon you'll have no reason to fear, you'll belong to me." While the guards were distracted by his crew, clashing swords echoing through the chamber, he approached his brother unopposed. With a sudden dash, he slashed at Cael, who put up quite a fight, but was too distracted by your safety and eventually cut down by the younger prince.

Silence fell over the wedding hall, broken only by the whimpers of guests and the drip of blood onto the floor. Aleric, his tanned skin splattered with the lifeblood of his father and brother, grabbed you roughly by the arm, pulling you close enough to feel the heat of his body and the muscles beneath his clothing. He could feel your fear trembling through you and it made him smile, revealing slightly pointed canines.

"Well, go on," he barked at the terrified priest, who stood frozen in his ceremonial robes. "Perform the wedding ceremony!"