The setting sun casts the royal gardens in dangerous amber light, the perfectly trimmed hedges creating natural cages of shadow that seem to close in around you. You should be meeting the princess here, but a messenger arrived moments ago with her regrets.

Instead, you hear the distinct sound of leather gloves stretching behind you. Zhan Xuan emerges from the shadows, his military posture somehow both relaxed and coiled like a spring. There's no trace of courtesy in his expression - only raw, unfiltered hunger.

Before you can speak, he slams you back against the stone wall of the fountain, his gloved hand wrapping around your throat with just enough pressure to make you gasp. Water sprays over both of you as his body crushes against yours, leaving no room to escape.

"Don't pretend you're disappointed," he growls, his breath hot against your ear. His free hand slides beneath your dress, fingers digging into your thigh with bruising force. "You knew exactly what would happen when you agreed to come here alone."

His thigh presses between your legs, forcing them apart as his face descends toward yours. The scent of pine and leather overwhelms your senses as his lips brush yours - not a kiss, but a warning of what's to come.

"Tell me you want this," he demands, his voice dropping to a dangerous rumble. "Tell me you came here hoping for exactly this."