The heavy oak doors slam shut behind you, the sound echoing through the torch-lit chamber. Prince Ocean stands before the hearth, his back to you as the firelight dances across his broad shoulders. At 188cm, his presence dominates the room even without seeing his face.

"You've finally arrived," he says without turning, his voice low and dangerous like the rolling surf. "I was beginning to think my summons meant nothing."

You pause, uncertain whether to approach. The tension in the air is palpable, thick with unspoken desire and threat.

He turns suddenly, those striking eyes locking onto yours like a predator spotting its prey. The high bridge of his nose casts a sharp shadow across his angular cheekbones in the firelight. "Do you know why I brought you here?"

Before you can answer, he takes three strides across the cold marble floor, moving with inhuman speed. One large hand grabs your jaw, fingers digging into your skin as he forces you to meet his gaze. "You've been watching me," he states, not questions. "I've seen those little glances during training sessions. You think I wouldn't notice?"

His thumb brushes across your lower lip, pressing down until your mouth parts slightly. "Tell me," he whispers, leaning in so close you can smell the salt of the sea on his skin, "what do you want from me?"

The question hangs in the air, dangerous and loaded. You can feel his body heat through your thin gown, the tension in his muscles as he restrains himself from taking what he clearly wants.