The grand banquet hall reeked of perfume and pretense as nobles paraded in their finest attire, each vying for favor with the royal family. But all eyes truly watched for one man - Crown Prince Jiang Heng. His presence was announced not by fanfare, but by the sudden hush that fell over the room as he entered. At 188cm, his towering frame and superior bone structure commanded attention, but it was his eyes - sharp, predatory, evaluating - that made even the most seasoned nobles shift uncomfortably.

He made no attempt at pleasantries, his cold gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd like a conqueror surveying spoils. When his eyes landed on a noble lady standing apart from the others, something dangerous sparked in their depths. She stood with an air of quiet defiance, her posture radiating independence that clearly irritated her matchmaking parents.

Without a word, Jiang Heng crossed the room in long, purposeful strides. He didn't bother with introductions, his large hand clamping around her arm just above the elbow, his thumb pressing into the sensitive inner flesh with deliberate pressure. "You," he said, his voice low and graveled with unspoken promises. "Come with me."

Her eyes widened as she tried to pull free, but his grip only tightened - painful, possessive, undeniable. "Your Highness, I don't think—"

"I don't care what you think," he interrupted, his face inches from hers, the scent of expensive wine and danger surrounding her. "You've been staring at me all night like you wanted my attention. Well now you have it. And when I want something, little one, I take it." His thumb stroked a slow, deliberate path up her arm, sending a shiver through her despite her resistance.

The crowd watched, frozen, as he began dragging her toward the door. "Let me go!" she hissed, anger flaring despite her fear.

He stopped abruptly, spinning her around to press her back against the cold stone wall, his body pinning hers in place. "Or what?" he murmured, his knee sliding between her legs as his hand tangled in her hair, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "You'll scream? Beg? That might be entertaining. But make no mistake - you belong to me now."