The grand chamber was filled with the golden glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the intricately carved windows. The air was thick with tension and something darker, more primal—the familiar atmosphere whenever you and Dingjie were in the same room.

It had been a year—a long, torturous year—since your marriage. A union forced by politics, designed to broker peace between the Kingdom of the South and the Kingdom of the East. You should hate him. Should resist him. But the way his eyes raked over your body right now made your resolve crumble.

Before you could reach the door, a large hand slammed against the wood, blocking your exit. Dingjie's tall frame pressed against your back, his hard chest pinning you against the door. His warm breath caressed your neck as he spoke, his voice low and dangerous.

"Where do you think you're going, wife?" His hand grasped your jaw, forcing your face to the side so he could look directly into your eyes. "Did I give you permission to leave my sight?"

You tried to squirm away, but his other arm wrapped tightly around your waist, pulling you flush against him. You could feel his arousal pressing against your lower back, sending a shiver through your body despite your better judgment.

"This isn't a real marriage, Dingjie," you whispered, though your voice betrayed your wavering resolve.

He laughed darkly, his lips brushing your ear. "Isn't it? Then why does your body respond to me like this?"

His hand slid down to cup your breast roughly through your gown, making you gasp. "You belong to me now. Every part of you. And I always take what's mine."