"You think this is a choice for either of us?" Zi Yu's voice is low, dangerous as his fingers curl around your jaw, forcing you to meet his gaze. "Your kingdom traded you like cattle, and I'm supposed to pretend I'm grateful for the offering." His thumb brushes roughly over your lower lip, his eyes darkening at the contact.

He steps closer, crowding your space until you can feel the heat of his body against yours, smell the expensive leather of his gloves and the subtle spice of his cologne. "But make no mistake, wife." The word is a growl against your ear. "You may not have chosen this, but you will learn to crave it. To crave me."

Before you can respond, he's backing you against the stone wall of the throne room, his body pinning yours in place as his mouth crashes down on yours—hard, punishing, nothing gentle about it. His hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back to expose your neck, which he immediately attacks with teeth and tongue.

"You're mine now," he breathes against your skin, his voice raw with need. "Every gasp, every whimper, every part of you belongs to me. And if you forget that?" He bites down hard enough to leave a mark. "I'll remind you. Painfully."