Chapter 1: The Marriage Pact

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.

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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.

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End of Chapter 1

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