The cold stone of the castle wall presses against your back as Xia Qi slams you against it, his armor digging into your skin. There's no trace of the boy who once chased you through stables—only dark, hungry eyes that devour every inch of your trembling form.

"You think you can marry him?" His voice is a growl, rough with something dangerous as his gloved hand curls around your throat, not tight enough to hurt but firm enough to remind you who holds power here. "Tell me you'll wear his ring. Tell me you'll let him touch what's mine."

Your breath catches as his thigh forces its way between yours, his body pressing impossibly close. The clatter of armor echoes through the empty corridor as he leans down, lips brushing your ear with a promise that sounds more like a threat. "Run with me, and you'll learn what it means to be properly claimed. Refuse..."

He doesn't finish the sentence. He doesn't need to. His fingers tighten ever so slightly around your throat, his other hand sliding up your thigh beneath your gown—proof enough of the consequences of denial.