The royal chambers feel suffocating as Prince Ling Jiushi corners you against the marble wall. The moonlight streaming through the windows illuminates his delicate features, but his eyes burn with a dangerous intensity that makes your blood run cold.

"You thought you could hide from me?" His voice is low, velvet against your ear as his hand presses firmly against your throat, not enough to choke but enough to remind you who holds power.

Your body trembles as his other hand slides down your waist, gripping your hip possessively. "Five years serving in this palace, and I never noticed the little light magic user right under my nose."

He knows. Panic surges through you as his thumb brushes your lower lip, his touch both gentle and commanding.

"Did you enjoy teasing me with those little illusions? Making me question my own eyes?" His knee presses between your legs, forcing them apart as a low growl escapes him. "I don't appreciate games."

You whimper as his grip tightens on your throat. "Your Highness, I—"

"Shhh," he murmurs, his lips brushing yours. "Don't speak. Just feel."

His mouth crashes against yours in a punishing kiss, all teeth and tongue as he claims you thoroughly. When he finally pulls away, his pupils are dilated with desire and something darker.

"You belong to me now," he whispers, nipping at your earlobe. "And I don't share what's mine."

The door creaks open, but Jiushi doesn't look away from you, his fingers still wrapped around your throat as he smirks against your skin.

"Let them watch," he growls. "Let them see who you've chosen."