Morning broke over the cold stone of the dungeons, and the sound of heavy boots echoed down the corridor. The guards unlocked the cells, one after another.
Alexander rose slowly, his face tight with suspicion.
"The Prince has ordered your release," the guard announced.
For a brief moment relief flickered across Alexander's face, but it vanished almost immediately. He knew what this meant. He knew what Skye must have done.
"Where is Princess Skye?" he demanded.
"She's in the throne room."
They were led out of the dungeon, climbing long spirals of stairs until sunlight slanted across their path. As soon as they reached the great hall, Alexander didn't wait for the guards to announce him, he shoved the massive doors open and stormed into the throne room.
Inside, Skye stood beside Prince Zed. Her head was bowed, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Zed sat lazily on his throne, one hand resting on the armrest, his expression unreadable.
"Father, I—"
"You disobeyed me, didn't you?" Alexander's voice asked, laced with anger.
"I had no choice," she said, trying to steady her voice. "I wanted you to live."
"So you gave yourself to him?" he thundered. She looked at the floor, shame burning her throat.
"Forgive me, Father," she whispered. "I would rather be bound to him than lose you."
Alexander's eyes narrowed in confusion and grief. "Do you not see what he is? Do you not feel it?"
Skye froze. The weight in his words chilled her, so he had felt it too. The darkness that lingered near Zed, silent and powerful, like something ancient watching from behind his eyes.
"That's enough, King Alexander." Zed's deep voice cut through the tension. "You have a few minutes to leave before I change my mind."
Alexander glared at him then turned back to his daughter, sorrow in his eyes. Without another word, he turned and strode out of the hall with his guards following.
As the doors shut, silence enveloped the room and Skye dropped to her knees. Tears blurring her vision.
"Get up," Zed ordered, his voice calm but cold.
She kept crying without bothering to move.
"Get up." he growled louder this time.
Skye tried to wipe her tears, and cleaned her hand on her dress. "Leave me," she whispered.
In an instant, he was beside her. His grip on her wrist was like iron as he hauled her to her feet. "I do not care for your tears or about your father or his relationship with you. I do not want my future wife weeping over trivial matters."
She gasped. His claws had extended without him noticing, digging into her skin. Blood welled under his grip.
Zed released her at once, staring at the blood streaks on her arm, His face darkened, unreadable, without a word he caught her hand again, pressed his lips to the wound, Heat rushed through her skin as the blood vanished, the injury sealing in seconds. Her breath caught. She shuddered as warmth pulsed from his mouth to her skin. When she looked at his eyes, the amber had almost vanished, replaced by a deep red glow.
"Who are you?" she whispered.
"I am Prince Zed of Kristanlia."
"What are you?"
He tilted his head slightly, that faint smile returning."That," he said softly, "is not your concern. Not yet. But know this, I do not tolerate betrayal. Ever."
Skye nodded, her heart hammering.
"Come. There is much to show you." He extended his hand. She hesitated, then took it. A strange shock ran through her, making her jerk back.
"It happens to everyone," he said flatly, then caught her hand again and pulled her along, and led her out of the hall.
His pace was relentless. He walked swiftly not caring for the lady he was holding.
She stumbled once, her dress tangling at her feet. "Wait—"
He ignored her, walking even faster. She tripped and fell hard.
"You'll need to learn to be strong," he said, pulling her to her feet as if she weighed nothing.
"Please… be gentle," she whispered, her wrist still sore.
His jaw clenched. Anger always burned too easily inside him. "Walk faster."
She forced herself to match his steps, and at last they emerged into a garden. A pond glimmered in the sunlight, a fountain spraying mist over flowers of impossible colors. The air here was cooler, softer.
"I come here when I am angry," Zed said,
She looked around, speechless. The air was strangely soothing. "It's… beautiful," she murmured.
He glanced at her then, his eyes observing her features, but there was something unreadable in his gaze. "I'm willing to share it with you."
"Thank you… sire."
A faint smile touched his lips. "When we are married, you may call me by my first name."
He turned from her, his expression unreadable. "Enjoy the view. I will be back later."
"Where are you going?" she asked, hesitating.
He looked back at her, that same half-smile returning but this time, his eyes glowed faintly again. "You'll find out soon enough."
And as he walked away, Skye could swear the flowers nearest him wilted ever so slightly.
And with that, he left her alone in the garden.