The marriage of shadows

his face stoic, though the faint tremor in his voice betrayed his fear. The throne room of Prince Kael was

immer in the dim light. His presence was a storm made flesh. His crimson eyes burned

ut sharp, like a blade dragged across si

his is my daughter, Velina. A union with her will seal the treaty

wife? Chuckles "No, she is a hostage. Let u

ry step a silent promise of power. His beauty was undeniable, but it was the kind that left a bi

see every thought, every fear she tried to hide. "Tell me, Velina,

her heart thundered in her

d like a growl through the vast ch

though to fill the heavy silence. "Your Highness, o

Enough. I care little for your kingdom'

rs. His breath was cool against her skin, carrying the faint scent of some

ed herself to speak. "I will do what

no kindness in it. "Brave words. Let

here as my wife. But remember this, Lord Tarian"-his voice dropped, cold and sharp-"if I s

deeply, his face pale. "O

ore rising. He glanced at her one last time, his eyes filled with regret

resounding thud, leaving Ve

to his throne, lounging with an air of indiffe

ina?" he asked finally,

ted, her voice bare

re some strange new creature. "Fear will keep you alive. But

he stood before her. His pale hand extended, and for a moment, she thought he meant

caress. "You belong to me now. You are mine to prote

r pulse racing beneath his c

"Good. Now, go. Your chambers are pr

urned away, his attention seemingly e

ghed heavy with the reality of her new life. She had been handed over

would need to learn the truth about Prince Kael, about the curse that made him

uld not remain a helpless lamb