I always knew I'd never have a choice.
That's what it means to be born a prince — beautiful, silent, and useful only when it serves the crown. From the day I could walk, I was trained to be perfect. Graceful, obedient, polite. The kind of son who never caused a ripple in the calm, controlled waters of Eldwyn's court. A pawn, dressed in silk and gold.
So when my father summoned me to his chambers that morning, I knew before he even spoke that my life was about to be sold off again. But even I wasn't prepared for what he said.
"You'll marry Prince Kaelen of Umbra in two weeks," King Aldric announced, his voice cold and final. He didn't even look up from the documents on his desk. "The papers have already been signed."
I felt my stomach drop. "Umbra?" My voice came out quieter than I wanted it to, and I hated the way it shook. "Father, the rumors—"
"The rumors are nothing," he cut me off sharply. "You'll do your duty."
But the rumors were everything. Everyone knew the stories about the Demon Prince. Kaelen of Umbra — the child of a human queen and a demon father. A man whose blood was said to carry darkness, whose mere presence made people tremble. They said his golden eyes were cursed, his power uncontrollable. That everyone who dared to get too close… ended up dead.
I tried again, more desperate now. "Father—"
"Enough, Adrien." He finally lifted his head, his gaze hard and cold. "You are a prince of Eldwyn. You will marry Kaelen, and you will bind our kingdoms together. There is nothing else to discuss."
And just like that, my fate was sealed.
---
Two weeks later, I stood in the grand hall of Umbra's palace, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might shatter my ribs. The room was cold and dimly lit, massive stone columns rising like dark sentinels around us. The air felt heavy — like the walls themselves were watching.
I kept my head high, my face carefully composed, even though my knees wanted to buckle. I refused to show fear, no matter how much I felt it. I was an Eldwyn prince, and I would not let them see me break.
Then the doors opened… and he walked in.
Prince Kaelen.
The air seemed to change the moment he entered. A hush fell over the room, every eye drawn to him — and I understood why the rumors had spread like wildfire. He was beautiful, but not in a soft way. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with ink-black hair that fell just past his jaw and skin kissed with the faintest golden hue. But it was his eyes that stopped me in my tracks — molten gold, sharp and piercing, like they could burn through you with a glance.
He was power and danger wrapped in human form. And now… he was my husband.
He didn't smile as he approached. He didn't look pleased at all. But when he stopped in front of me, his eyes roamed over my face — and for just a second, something flickered there. Curiosity? Disapproval? I couldn't tell.
"You're prettier than I expected," he said at last, his voice smooth and low, but there was no warmth in it. "But I hope you're more than just a pretty face."
The words stung, but I didn't flinch. I lifted my chin. "I hope the same about you, Your Highness."
For a moment, there was silence. Then… he smiled. It wasn't kind.
This was going to be a disaster.
---
The ceremony was a blur — words I didn't hear, vows I didn't mean. And when Kaelen took my hand, his grip was warm and firm, his skin surprisingly soft. But I felt the strength in him, the coiled tension beneath the surface.
When it was done, we were pronounced married. Bound.
But the real test began that night.
I stood in the chambers that had been assigned to us, my heart thundering as I waited for him. The room was as cold and imposing as the rest of the palace — stone walls, dark furniture, a massive bed that I tried very hard not to look at.
When the door finally opened, I turned to face him. Kaelen stepped inside, his eyes unreadable. For a long moment, he said nothing — just watched me, his golden gaze heavy.
"You're afraid of me," he said at last. It wasn't a question.
I swallowed hard. "Should I be?"
He didn't answer right away. He crossed the room slowly, his movements fluid and deliberate, until he stood close enough that I could feel his warmth. My breath caught.
"Maybe," he murmured. His voice was low, almost gentle — but there was something dangerous underneath it. "But you're my husband now, Adrien. And I protect what's mine."
Mine.
The word sent a shiver down my spine — and I didn't know if it was fear or something far more dangerous.