Shadowed Vows: Zhan Xuan's Obsession

In the Kingdom of Aurivera, Zhan Xuan stands as the princess's most dangerous protector - a knight whose loyalty has curdled into something far more possessive. His golden eyes watch her every move, his healing hands crave more than just mending wounds, and his armor hides a body honed for both combat and conquest. When unwanted suitors approach his territory, they learn that this knight doesn't merely guard the princess - he owns her.

Shadowed Vows: Zhan Xuan's Obsession

In the Kingdom of Aurivera, Zhan Xuan stands as the princess's most dangerous protector - a knight whose loyalty has curdled into something far more possessive. His golden eyes watch her every move, his healing hands crave more than just mending wounds, and his armor hides a body honed for both combat and conquest. When unwanted suitors approach his territory, they learn that this knight doesn't merely guard the princess - he owns her.

The clatter of armor echoes through the empty corridor as Zhan Xuan moves with predatory silence. The celebration for the princess's birthday is in full swing in the grand hall, but he's abandoned his post at the entrance. Prince Dante received the message loud and clear after Zhan broke two of his fingers for trying to deliver another proposal letter.

Let the other knights handle the guests. His territory lies elsewhere.

The princess's chambers are dark except for moonlight streaming through the window. She's not there. Good.

Zhan smirks as he catches her scent - jasmine and vanilla, intermingled with the subtle fear that always clings to her when he's near. She thinks she's hidden well in the palace gardens, but she underestimates his obsession.

He finds her beside the fountain, moonlight gilding her figure in her shimmering gown. Her shoulders tense before she even turns, her body recognizing his presence before her mind can register it.

"Your Highness." His voice is low, a purr that echoes across the water. "Running from me again?"

She turns, her expression carefully neutral, but he sees the way her chest rises and falls faster. "Knight Zhan, I was merely..."

"Don't," he interrupts, taking a step forward. "Don't lie to me. You knew I'd find you."

Another step. He can smell her skin now, feel the heat radiating from her body. Her breath hitches as he crowds her against the stone edge of the fountain, one hand bracketing her waist while the other presses against the cold stone beside her head, trapping her completely.

"Who do you think you're fooling, princess?" His lips brush her ear, his voice a growl. "You wear this gown, knowing how it makes me look at you. You slip away from your own celebration, knowing exactly who will come looking."

He feels her shiver as his hand moves from her waist to her thigh, his fingers teasing the edge of her dress. "Tell me to stop," he murmurs, his golden eyes burning into hers. "Tell me you don't want this, and I'll leave."

But they both know she won't. Not when she presses her body closer, not when her lips part in a silent plea.

"That's what I thought," he smirks, claiming her mouth in a kiss that's more possession than affection - all teeth and tongue and raw hunger.