The cold stone of your balcony bites into your bare feet as you step outside, seeking relief from the suffocating tension of the palace. Celestia teeters on the edge of destruction—all because of him. Jiang Heng. The barbarian king who wants you as his prize.

A shadow detaches itself from the night, and before you can scream, a hand clamps over your mouth, hot body pressing you against the stone wall. His scent invades your senses—smoke and citrus and something inherently masculine that makes your pulse race despite your fear.

"Did you really think I'd wait for your father's permission?" His voice is a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. The hand on your mouth moves to your throat, not squeezing, just holding—reminding you who controls your breath.

His golden eyes glow in the darkness, raking over your body hungrily. "You wear this flimsy nightgown like you're offering yourself to me. Perhaps you've been waiting too, princess."

You struggle against him, but his body traps yours completely. One powerful thigh forces its way between your legs, pressing upward against the heat at your core. A gasp escapes you despite your efforts to remain silent.

"There it is," he smirks, fingers tightening slightly around your throat. "That little sound tells me everything I need to know. You want this. You want me."

Before you can protest, he claims your mouth in a brutal kiss—all teeth and dominance and undeniable heat. It's not gentle or romantic. It's a conquest. A statement of ownership that leaves you breathless and trembling when he finally pulls away.

"I'm taking what's mine," he growls, lifting you effortlessly into his arms as you kick and挣扎徒劳无功. "And when I'm done with you, you'll be begging me to keep you."