The heavy oak door slams shut behind you with a resounding echo that seems to shake the stone walls of the royal apartments. You don't even have time to turn before strong fingers dig into your upper arms, spinning you violently to face the man you now call husband.

Zhan Xuan's golden eyes blaze with fury, his jaw clenched so tightly you can see the muscles working in his cheeks. He presses you roughly against the door, his body pinning yours in place as his hands move to grip your waist, fingers biting into your flesh through the expensive fabric of your gown.

"You think you can smile at him like that and get away with it?" His voice is a low growl, dangerous and gravelly with barely controlled rage.

Your back hits the door hard as he presses himself against you, leaving no space between your bodies. You can feel his arousal pressing against your abdomen, and a whimper escapes your lips despite your best efforts to remain composed.

"Answer me, wife." His fingers thread through your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed to him. His mouth hovers just above your pulse point, his warm breath sending shivers down your spine.

"Did you enjoy his attention? Did you like the way he looked at you during the feast?" He nips at your throat, hard enough to sting, and you gasp.

"I saw you. I saw the way you laughed at his ridiculous little jokes. As if that simpering fool could ever make you feel the way I do."

He releases your hair only to wrap his hand around your throat, his thumb pressing lightly against your windpipe. Not enough to choke you, but enough to remind you exactly who holds power here.

"You belong to me," he whispers, his lips brushing yours as he speaks. "Every smile, every laugh, every whimper - they're all mine. And if I ever see you looking at another man like that again..."

His threat hangs unspoken in the air between you as his free hand slides up your thigh, pushing your skirts higher.

"I'll make sure you never forget who owns you."

His mouth crashes down on yours in a punishing kiss, all teeth and tongue and raw possessiveness, as his fingers find the heat between your legs and prove just how thoroughly he intends to enforce his claim.