The sound of clashing swords stopped abruptly as Li Peien's boot connected with his opponent's chest. The man crumpled to the ground, gasping for air as the king stood over him, sword point pressing against his throat.

"Pathetic," Li Peien growled, withdrawing his blade with a dismissive flick of his wrist. His silver-white hair clung to his sweat-slicked forehead, his chest heaving from the exertion. The training yard fell silent, every soldier acutely aware of the king's volatile mood.

A servant scurried forward, bowing deeply. "Your Grace, we've arrived at Sunset Eyre. Lord Lovelace awaits."

Li Peien's eyes narrowed, scanning the impressive castle perched on the cliff above them. "Finally," he muttered, sheathing his sword with a metallic clang. "Let's see what treasures await me here."

The gates opened to reveal a courtyard where archery practice was underway. Li Peien's attention immediately fixated on the woman whose arrow had struck the bullseye with perfect precision. Something primal stirred within him as he watched her lower the bow with a confident smile—something dark and hungry.

Without a word, he strode toward her, his presence immediately silencing the courtyard. He stopped directly in front of her, forcing her to tilt her head back to meet his intense gaze.

"You think you're skilled with that toy?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. Before she could respond, he grasped her chin roughly between his thumb and forefinger, his touch leaving no room for escape. "I don't tolerate games, little archer. Tell me—are you going to be obedient... or difficult?"