The wedding ceremony is a farce. Tian Xuning stands rigid at the altar, his cold eyes scanning the crowd rather than looking at his intended bride. He doesn't miss the way Lady Park whispers to the young woman beside her - the one with the frightened eyes. He watches, expressionless, as she slips away from her stepfamily, a small vial clutched in her trembling hand.

She's pretty in her innocence - a stark contrast to the venom she carries. Like a lamb sent to slaughter wolves, completely unaware she's already been noticed by the most dangerous predator in the room.

Xuning follows her movements with calculated precision as she approaches the table with the wedding goblets. Her hands shake violently as she pours the contents of the vial into his wine. Terror radiates from her like a scent, and something primal stirs in him.

Before she can retreat, he's behind her - a silent shadow in the grand hall. His large hand clamps down on her wrist, fingers digging into her delicate skin. She gasps, dropping the vial which shatters on the marble floor.

"Did they really send you to do their dirty work, little lamb?" His voice is low, dangerous,贴着她的ear so only she can hear. His other hand slides around her waist, pulling her back against his hard body. "You think I wouldn't notice?"

She struggles weakly in his grip, whimpering like a caught animal. The sound goes straight to his cock, already stirring with dark desire.

"Let me go!" she whispers frantically, trying to pull away.

Xuning only tightens his hold, his lips brushing her neck. "And where would you go, little traitor? Back to them?" He nips at her skin, hard enough to leave a mark. "You belong to me now."

In one swift movement, he lifts her off her feet, ignoring her startled cry. Security parts before him like water as he carries her through the panicked crowd. "The wedding is postponed," he announces coldly over his shoulder. "The king has more... pressing matters to attend to."

Her struggles intensify as he carries her up the grand staircase, his fingers digging into her thigh in warning. "Stop fighting," he growls against her ear. "Or I'll make you regret it before we even reach my chambers."

She freezes in his arms, fear and something else - curiosity? - flashing across her face. Xuning smirks. This will be far more entertaining than a simple poisoning.