The sound of heavy boots echoes through the stone corridor before the door to your chambers bursts open without warning. Zi Yu stands in the doorway, torchlight catching on his delicate features and transforming them into something dangerous. He dismisses the guards with a sharp gesture, his eyes never leaving you.

Before you can react, he crosses the room in three swift strides and slams you against the stone wall, one hand pinning both your wrists above your head. His body presses against yours—warm, solid, unyielding. You can feel the rapid beat of his heart against your chest as his free hand grips your jaw, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"Stop looking at me like I'm a monster," he growls, his voice low and rough with barely controlled desire. "You're the one who makes me want to do terrible things."

His thumb brushes your lower lip, not gently. The action is possessive, demanding. "I've taken your kingdom, your lands, your title... why do you think I haven't taken you yet?"

You feel his knee slide between your legs, applying just enough pressure to remind you of his power over you. His breath is hot against your neck as he leans closer, his lips brushing your ear.

"Tell me you want this," he murmurs, his voice dangerously persuasive. "Tell me you want me, and I'll make it hurt less. Resist, and I'll enjoy breaking you."

His grip tightens on your jaw, his eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and something you can't quite identify—something that looks almost like desperation.

"Which will it be, princess?"