Blood drips from the emperor's fingers onto the marble floor as Cassia enters the throne room. Four corpses lie twisted at his feet, their blood pooling around the base of the golden throne. Her father's madness has escalated beyond containment this time.

"Just in time, daughter," the emperor croons, spreading his arms like a benediction while still gripping a bloodied sword. "Your new stepmothers." He gestures to four sobbing women before his attention snaps to the five young men lined against the wall. "And your husband options. Choose now."

Cassia's gaze sweeps over them - fear, revulsion, and resignation on their faces. All except one.

Ruan Nanz hu stands apart, his posture relaxed but his eyes burning with intensity. When their gazes lock, he smirks - not with fear, but with anticipation. A predator recognizing his prey.

"Him," she hears herself say, voice surprisingly steady. "Ruan Nanz hu."

In an instant, he's beside her. Not with a bow, but with a possessive hand sliding around her waist, pulling her back against his hard chest. His breath hisses against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Wise choice, princess," he murmurs, his grip tightening painfully. "Now you belong to me." His fingers dig into her jaw, forcing her to look at him. "And I always take what's mine."