l's

ates. After losing my first, I swore never to let that weakness bind me ag

something unfamiliar yet insistent. She was supposed to be just another purchase, a strategic

uiet strength hidden beneath her fear, the

. It was about control, about power. She would be a tool, a symb

ept, my boots echoing against the marble floors of th

?" I asked, m

o leave, my King,"

she'd endured, she likely didn't see an escape

the carriage

moment, glancing at the do

"She's not a prisone

oning to his companion

her shoulders tense. The guards spoke to her, their firm voices leaving no room for argument

ng about her posture screamed vulnerability. The light streamin

ng her blink rapidly. Her hesitation was brief as her

nt. When her eyes finally met mine, I saw the fear flickering there,

dered, my tone

carriage. The door shut behind her, and I fol

pt her eyes downcast, her hands twisting in her lap. The scent of h

said, breaking the silence

at, her brow furrowi

itant, but there was an edge t

"No one will harm you as long

nd, her gaze dro

ed her as the silence stretched between us. Every flicker of emotion that crossed h

ou think," I said sudde

up, her eyes narr

ha

ll feat," I continued, leaning back i

though she wanted to respond

," I p

and she lifted her gaze to me

in the air, heavie

ould," I rep

first time, I saw a flicker of

he said quietly, her tone

the only one yo

y, the frustration in h

dn't speak again. By the time we reached the borders of my territory, the fores

ut first, extending a hand to her. She hesitat

said, gesturing toward th

l in-the towering trees, the distant mountains,

our new life beg

ut I could see the un

n years, I felt a strang