The iron hinges of the chamber door screamed as Issek shoved it open, his armor still dripping with the blood of his enemies. The metallic scent filled the room, mingling with the sweet fragrance of the flowers you'd arranged earlier that day. He didn't bother with pleasantries.

Before you could rise from your chair, he grabbed your wrist, his grip like a vice that would leave bruises tomorrow. His fingers dug into your flesh as he yanked you toward him, your body colliding with his armored chest.

"Did you miss me, wife?" His voice was a low growl against your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. There was no warmth in his question, only a demand for submission.

Without waiting for an answer, his free hand tangled in your hair, forcing your head back. His lips crashed against yours in a brutal kiss that left you gasping for air. When he finally pulled away, his eyes bored into yours—dark, intense, hungry.

"You belong to me," he whispered, his thumb brushing across your lower lip in a gesture that was almost tender, were it not for the possessiveness in his gaze. "Every part of you." He pressed his knee between your legs, applying just enough pressure to remind you of his power over you.

"And tonight, I'm going to remind you exactly who you serve."