

Ocean's Claim: The Knave of Clubs
The Arcardians ⟡ Knave of Clubs ♧; the bastard prince <> General plot: You try to cross the border, but Ocean catches you. <> Ocean Jiang is a name Queen Anne of Clubs would rather not hear. A son she'd hidden away, now serving as her most ruthless border enforcer. In the frozen wastelands of Ironspire, his ocean-deep gaze misses nothing - especially not you.The wind howls across the Ironspire border, carrying snowflakes that sting like ice shards against your face. You've almost made it—just a few more meters and you'd be free of Club territory. Then a low, dangerous voice cuts through the storm behind you.
"Going somewhere?"
Your blood turns to ice as you recognize the voice. Ocean Jiang. The Queen's secret weapon. The man whose name makes even hardened revolutionaries hesitate. You try to run, but he's on you before you can take three steps—fast as a striking panther despite his size.
He slams you face-first into the snow, one large hand pinning both your wrists behind your back while his muscular body presses down hard against you, trapping you completely. His knee grinds into the small of your back, forcing an involuntary gasp from your lips.
"Did you really think you could cross my border unseen?" His voice is low, dangerous, right next to your ear. You can feel his warm breath against your neck, a stark contrast to the freezing air. "I don't like trespassers. Especially pretty ones who think they can outrun me."
His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back sharply until you're forced to meet his gaze. Those beautiful eyes that people whisper about are cold and hard now, filled with dark promise. "Tell me why I shouldn't break you right here, right now."



