The moment I stepped into my new chambers in Etril, I knew I was in enemy territory.
The room was beautiful, fit for a future duchess—perhaps even a queen. A grand four-poster bed with deep blue silken sheets stood at the center, while a large arched window overlooked the vast lands of Etril. The walls were lined with gold-trimmed tapestries depicting battles, victories, and conquests. Everything in this room screamed power.
But it wasn't mine.
I set my traveling cloak aside, exhaling sharply. Tyla, who had followed me from home, stood by the door, watching me carefully.
"My lady…" she began hesitantly.
I turned to her, my voice sharper than I intended. "Say it."
She shifted on her feet. "You haven't even been here a day, and yet you're already so tense."
I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Forgive me, Tyla. I just… I feel like a prisoner."
She hesitated before offering a small smile. "A prisoner would not have such a luxurious room."
I let out a bitter laugh. "Then call it what it is—a gilded cage."
Before Tyla could respond, a knock sounded at the door. It was too firm, too impatient to belong to a mere servant.
"Enter," I said, straightening my posture.
The door opened, and he walked in.
Kyren Fernandez.
I stiffened. He was out of his armor this time, dressed in an embroidered dark tunic with gold accents, his presence just as suffocating as before. His golden eyes scanned the room before landing on me.
"Settling in, are we?" he asked, his voice smooth yet distant.
I forced a polite smile. "As much as one can in a place they do not belong."
His lips twitched, as if amused. "And yet, this will be your home soon enough."
"A house is not a home," I replied coolly.
He chuckled, taking a slow step toward me. "You speak like a woman ready for war, not a bride."
I met his gaze, refusing to shrink under his scrutiny. "Should I be anything else?"
He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without warning, he reached for my chin, tilting it up slightly.
My breath hitched, but I held my ground.
His voice was low, almost teasing. "You don't fear me."
I exhaled through my nose. "And you don't respect me."
Something flickered in his eyes. Amusement? Curiosity? I couldn't tell.
Finally, he released me and took a step back. "Tomorrow, we will have a formal court gathering to announce our engagement to the nobility. You will be expected to smile and behave like a proper lady of Etril."
I raised a brow. "And if I don't?"
His smirk returned. "Then I suppose we will both have a rather miserable evening."
With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving me standing there, my heart pounding in my chest.
Tyla, who had remained silent the entire time, finally let out a breath. "My lady… you are playing a dangerous game."
I smirked, touching my chin where his fingers had just been. "So is he."
---
The grand hall was alive with whispers the next evening.
Nobles from all over Etril had gathered for the official engagement announcement, dressed in extravagant silks and adorned with gold and jewels. The air was thick with the scent of wine and honeyed pastries, but all I could taste was resentment.
I stood beside Kyren at the top of the dais, my hand lightly resting on his arm as court tradition demanded. Every set of eyes in the room was watching us, some curious, others envious, a few even displeased.
Among them was her.
Kahina.
A noblewoman of high standing, she was beautiful in the way that vipers were—elegant, poised, and undeniably dangerous. Her piercing emerald eyes flickered with disdain as they met mine, her lips curving into a knowing smirk.
She was the kind of woman who did not like competition.
I barely had time to process the weight of her stare before the king—Kyren's uncle—rose from his seat. His booming voice echoed through the hall.
"Tonight, we celebrate the union of Etril's most formidable warrior and his bride-to-be. A bond that will ensure peace, prosperity, and strength for generations to come!"
The hall erupted in applause, but I barely heard it.
Because Kyren was leaning in, his lips just by my ear.
"Smile, little rose," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin. "They are watching."
I clenched my jaw but obeyed, curving my lips into a perfect, practiced smile.
Because two could play this game.