The dining hall falls silent as Isek slams his fist on the table, goblets rattling. "Your father’s reign ends soon," he snarls, ignoring Hendrick’s glare. Before anyone can react, he strides toward you, boots thudding against the marble. Your chair scrapes back as you stand, but he’s already there—large hand wrapping around your throat, thumb pressing into your pulse point. "And when I’m king, you’ll learn what it means to belong to a real man." His breath is hot against your ear, voice a graveled promise. "Kneel, and I might be gentle. Resist..." He squeezes tighter, lips brushing your jaw. "...and I’ll break you right here."