The great hall of the North Kingdom stretched high and cold, stone pillars reaching toward a ceiling lost in shadow. Torches sputtered along the walls, their light flickering across black-and-silver banners, the crest of the northern royal family — a wolf devouring the sun.

Prince Kael stood at the far end, tall and motionless, his armor gleaming darkly. Grey eyes sharp as winter ice swept over the approaching southern delegation. His face, carved from restraint, betrayed no emotion. Only his clenched jaw hinted at the storm brewing beneath.

An arranged marriage. A southern prince. A treaty forced down my throat to stop a war we should have finished.

The delegation reached the dais.

And there — at its head — was Prince Ren.

Kael had expected a delicate, pampered courtier. Instead, Ren was… radiant. Blond hair caught the torchlight like spun gold, his emerald-green eyes dancing with something too sharp to be called innocence. He wore white and gold, his long cloak trailing behind him, and when he bowed, it was just deep enough to meet protocol — and no deeper.

“Prince Kael,” Ren said, his voice smooth as silk, “it’s an honor to meet my future husband.”

Kael’s brow twitched. He straightened his shoulders, towering over the smaller man. “I hope you understand this is a political arrangement, nothing more.”

Ren smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming. “Oh, I understand perfectly. But tell me, Your Highness… is that what you want?”

Kael’s jaw tightened. Around them, the court watched silently, the tension crackling like a drawn bowstring.

This won’t be easy, Kael realized grimly. He’s not just a pretty face — he’s dangerous.

---

Later That Night

The marriage contract lay open on Kael’s desk, its ornate script catching the candlelight. The wax seal of both kingdoms pressed the paper flat, heavy with finality.

Kael ran a gloved hand through his dark hair, exhaling slowly. His life had been battlefields and councils, strategy and duty. Love had no place in it — and now, neither did choice.

He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of the crown he was born to wear.

A knock at the door.

Kael stiffened. “Enter.”

The door opened silently — and in slipped Prince Ren, dressed far less formally now, his golden robe loose, his hair damp from a bath. He moved like he belonged here, his bare feet silent on the stone.

Kael rose sharply. “It’s late.”

Ren smiled, folding his arms. “I thought we should talk, husband-to-be. Or are you planning to ignore me for the next fifty years?”

Kael scowled. “We have no need for personal attachment. You’ll play your part, I’ll play mine. That is all.”

Ren approached, stopping just close enough to force Kael to look down into his eyes. “Oh, Kael,” he murmured, voice like velvet. “You think you’re the only one who knows how to command a room, don’t you?”

Kael’s breath caught — only for a moment. But Ren saw it. His smile widened, slow and sharp.

“Good night, Your Highness,” Ren whispered, turning gracefully on his heel.

Kael watched him go, the door clicking shut behind him.

His heart thudded once, heavy in his chest.

This marriage will be more dangerous than any war I’ve fought, Kael thought grimly. And I don’t know if I’m ready.

---

End of Chapter 1

The sun rose pale over the northern palace, casting long shadows across the training courtyard. The cold wind bit at exposed skin, but Kael barely noticed. He stood at the center of the yard, gripping his sword, breath steady.

Across from him stood Ren.

Golden hair pulled back, emerald eyes sharp with focus, dressed in light sparring clothes that clung to his lean, athletic frame — a perfect mirror to Kael’s own. They circled each other slowly, blades drawn.

Kael had agreed, reluctantly, to a morning sparring session. Ren had insisted.

“I thought southern princes preferred music and poetry,” Kael muttered, circling.

Ren flashed a grin. “And I thought northern princes only knew how to scowl. But here we are.”

Their swords clashed.

Steel met steel in a sharp ring, and Kael felt the immediate jolt of surprise. Ren’s strength matched his own, his stance confident and practiced. Kael pushed forward — only to find Ren spinning away smoothly, his blade flicking toward Kael’s side.

Kael blocked just in time.

He’s good, Kael realized, heat sparking in his chest. Very good.

Their fight became a dance — sharp, fast, precise. Where Kael was power and control, Ren was speed and unpredictability, darting in with teasing feints, laughing softly when Kael stumbled to catch up.

Finally, Kael locked their swords at the hilt, faces inches apart, breaths mingling in the cold air.

“You’re full of surprises,” Kael muttered, eyes narrowing.

Ren’s grin softened into something more intimate, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “You have no idea, Kael.”

For a breathless moment, they stayed locked — not fighting, not speaking, just watching each other.

Then Kael stepped back abruptly, lowering his blade.

“That’s enough for today,” he said stiffly, turning away. His heart thudded harder than it should have.

---

That Night

The great hall was filled with music, food, and laughter — the grand wedding feast. Both kings toasted, nobles danced, and the people cheered.

Kael sat stiffly beside Ren, every muscle tense. He wanted to leave, to return to his rooms, to be alone.

But tonight, he couldn’t.

It’s the wedding night, Kael reminded himself grimly. Tradition demands we share a chamber.

When the feast ended, Kael walked quickly down the stone corridor, his cloak swirling behind him. He opened the door to his chambers — and froze.

Ren was already there, lounging casually by the fire, dressed in a thin white nightrobe.

“Leaving your own wedding night early?” Ren asked softly, one eyebrow raised.

Kael scowled. “I’m not here for games.”

He turned sharply, meaning to leave — only to nearly walk into the waiting group of elder advisors outside the door.

“Your Highness,” one said politely but firmly, “the kings request that you observe tradition tonight. To show unity between our kingdoms.”

Kael’s teeth clenched. Slowly, he turned back into the room, shutting the door hard behind him.

Ren was still smiling by the fire, green eyes dancing. “Well. Looks like we’re stuck together, husband.”

Kael yanked off his cloak and dropped heavily into a chair across the room, scrubbing a hand over his face.

Ren rose smoothly, moving to stand just beside Kael’s chair. “Relax, Kael,” he murmured. “I’m not here to bite — unless you ask nicely.”

Kael looked up sharply — only to find Ren watching him with a teasing, unreadable gaze.

His heart gave an uneasy thump.

This was going to be a very long night.

---

End of Chapter 2

The room was silent, save for the crackle of the fire.

Kael sat rigidly in the armchair by the window, arms crossed over his chest, eyes locked on the moonlight beyond. He refused to look at the bed.

Behind him, Ren stretched lazily on the edge of the large bed, robe slipping slightly off one shoulder. His golden hair glinted in the firelight as he propped himself up on one elbow, watching Kael with a slow, amused smile.

“You know, Kael,” Ren drawled softly, “you’re making this much more awkward than it needs to be.”

Kael didn’t turn. “Go to sleep, Ren.”

Ren’s grin widened. “Oh, I will. Eventually.”

A beat of silence.

“…You can have the bed,” Kael muttered tightly. “I’ll take the chair.”

Ren let out a low laugh. “Oh no, no. I insist — we share. After all, we are married now.”

Kael’s fists clenched on his arms. He could feel the heat rising at the back of his neck.

He’s doing this on purpose.

“You’re awfully tense for a man who’s supposed to be in charge,” Ren added lightly, his voice smooth, just a little teasing.

Kael finally turned, sharp eyes narrowing. “Watch your mouth.”

Ren’s gaze flickered, something sharp and knowing in his green eyes. “Oh, I am. Watching you, that is.” He yawned softly, stretching out on the bed like a satisfied cat. “Relax, Kael. I’m too tired to ruin your precious honor tonight.”

Kael ground his teeth but said nothing.

---

Later That Night

The fire had burned low, casting the room into shadow.

Kael still sat stiffly in the chair, arms crossed, eyes half-closed but refusing to sleep. On the bed, Ren had long since drifted off, his breathing slow and steady.

Kael exhaled quietly, finally letting himself look.

Ren lay on his side, blond hair spilling over the pillow, his face relaxed and peaceful in sleep.

Infuriating, Kael thought. Annoying. Dangerous.

And yet…

Something tugged uncomfortably at his chest.

Kael ran a hand through his hair, closing his eyes. Get a hold of yourself. This is just politics. Just survival.

He leaned back in the chair, exhaustion slowly creeping over him.

Tomorrow, the games would begin again. But for tonight, he let himself rest — still facing the window, still stubborn, but no longer entirely unaware of the quiet pull of the man sleeping behind him.

Once Kael’s breathing evened out, soft and deep in the chair, Ren cracked one eye open. He stretched slowly, a sly smile curving his lips. Quiet as a cat, he slipped from the bed, padded across the room, and crouched beside the sleeping prince.

“So sure you’re the one in control, hm?” Ren murmured softly, brushing Kael’s dark hair back from his brow. Without a sound, he slid an arm around Kael’s shoulders, carefully lifting and guiding him toward the bed.

Kael murmured faintly in his sleep but didn’t wake.

Ren settled him gently onto the mattress, pulling the heavy blankets up over both of them. Then, with a small, satisfied smile, Ren lay back on his side, watching Kael for a long moment.

“Good night, husband,” he whispered, voice filled with quiet amusement.

--

End of Chapter 3