---
---
I felt it crawling inside me... that insect.
It writhed deep within, tearing me apart from the inside. Ever since I swallowed it, I could no longer feel my own body.
Prince Elicar had finished what he came for. With ease, he undid my restraints. He stared at me—expecting a reaction, craving it—just to relish the moment more.
But I couldn't think. Without focus, I bolted toward the door. I wanted to scream. To escape. To beg anyone for help.
Yet I didn't make it.
The pain hit before I could reach the door. I collapsed under his cold gaze.
The agony... was indescribable. Sharp. Crushing. Like something was squeezing me from the inside.
"Mensis... don't try to run again."
His voice was calm—too calm—as I wept, my tears soaked with helplessness.
"Please... stop. Let me go." I begged, trembling.
He didn't answer.
He just smiled—a vague, unreadable smile—and pulled a small box from his coat.
"Take this pill. It will stop the pain. You'll need another one tomorrow."
"Which means... you'll stay with me, Mensis. And you'll never feel pain again."
I couldn't think anymore.
I swallowed the pill.
The pain vanished instantly. But my vision blurred.
Just before I lost consciousness, I saw Miss Elizabeth...
She was taking the same pill—from his hand.
Was she... like me?
Was she under his control too?
Had she become a puppet?
I couldn't ponder it any longer. Darkness swallowed me whole, dragging me into a heavy, dreamless sleep.
---
An hour later...
My eyes opened slowly.
I was in a massive room. A silky bed. Lavish sheets. Everything around me screamed luxury—so unlike my modest home.
And yet, I didn't feel safe.
Because Prince Elicar Solander Ethalion—the tenth prince—was sitting beside me. With a knife in his hand.
I shook with fear. My heart raced.
I prayed it was all a nightmare.
That I'd wake up soon...
But no.
This was real.
And I was wide awake—trapped in a waking curse.
---
The Bloody Marriage Rite
I had no idea. I wasn't prepared.
"We're getting married now."
He said it coldly—like it was a statement, not a question—while I sat trembling, staring at him like I was facing a ghost, not a man.
My words caught in my throat. My mouth opened, but no sound came.
He continued, voice calm... yet lethal:
"In the Empire of Valia, we don't believe in traditional weddings. No dresses. No flowers. No clapping fools. Our rites are far more... binding."
I tried to back away, but my feet felt glued to the floor.
"The vow... is made through blood."
He pulled a gleaming dagger from his coat. It reflected the light—and his sinister smile.
"First... my blood."
He raised his hand, and with slow, chilling precision, cut a line across his index finger.
Not a flinch.
Blood welled up fast, warm and red.
He reached out, holding his finger near my lips.
"Drink."
I recoiled.
"What? No... I can't—"
But he held my head steady, forcing his bleeding finger into my mouth.
The taste—iron, warmth, something alive—slid down my throat. My stomach churned.
I gagged, almost vomited.
He didn't care.
"Now... your turn."
I gasped, shrinking away, but he grabbed my left hand.
"No!" I screamed.
Too late.
The dagger sliced through my palm.
Pain exploded.
"Aghh!"
The sound escaped me on instinct.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as he raised my bleeding hand to his mouth and drank.
Yes—he drank, like sipping wine.
Then wiped his mouth slowly with the back of his hand, savoring it.
"Stronger than I expected," he whispered.
I froze. Silent tears falling.
He leaned in closer, breath warm against my neck.
"Now, there's only one thing left..."
His voice slithered like venom—soft, deadly.
"To stand before the Emperor... and announce our union."
He locked eyes with me, sealing my fate:
"We are now husband and wife, Mensis. There is no escape. No turning back."