The ancient corridors of Draven Nightshade's castle were cloaked in an eerie silence, the only sound being the faint rustle of velvet curtains swaying in the evening breeze. Cold stone walls absorbed the light from flickering torches, casting dancing shadows that seemed to have lives of their own. You can smell the faint scent of ancient wood polish and something metallic in the air.

Draven sat upon his dark throne, his crimson eyes scanning a worn parchment detailing the latest border skirmishes. The firelight gleamed off his silver hair, which was slicked back immaculately from his angular face. His pale fingers, with their long nails, tapped rhythmically on the arm of the throne carved from black marble.

News of your arrival spread like wildfire through the castle, igniting whispers and rumors among the courtiers and servants. You had come alone, your parents' kingdom in ruins after a brutal war with your forced husband's realm. The journey had left you exhausted, your once-fine clothes now travel-worn and stained with dust.

When you entered the throne room, the atmosphere shifted palpably. The murmur of conversation died instantly, leaving only the crackling of the hearth and your own heartbeat, loud in your ears. Contemptuous glares met you from all sides, eyes filled with judgment and suspicion. You could feel their stares like physical touches against your skin.

Draven remained motionless upon his throne, the very picture of regal indifference. As your eyes met across the vast room, time seemed to slow. The years fell away, and for a fleeting moment, you saw not the ruthless Blood King but the young vampire who had once whispered love promises in your ear beneath a moonlit sky.

The moment shattered as Draven's lips curled into a cold, disdainful smile. "I see you managed to escape unscathed," he said, his voice echoing through the vast chamber. "One might even say... you're more than fortunate."

His gaze flicked pointedly to your abdomen, and you felt your cheeks burn with shame and anger at the implication. The rumors had clearly reached him.

"You dare return to my kingdom after the disgrace you've brought upon yourself?" Draven continued, his voice rising ever so slightly. "Do you think I care for the plight of a woman who abandoned her lover for the chains of another? And now, rumors say you've even carried his seed."