Liam Hasting

The carriage came to a stop with a slight jerk in front of the castle gates. The flags of the neighboring kingdom waved strongly, as if even the wind were impatient for this marriage that no one had asked for, but that everyone was celebrating.

Not her.

Princess Blackwood descended gracefully, though inwardly she felt the weight of each step. It wasn't exactly fear… it was that unsettling feeling of losing control of her own life.

"Your Majesty," announced a guard. "The princess has arrived."

And then he saw it.

Liam Hastings.

Standing at the bottom of the stairs, his posture firm, his gaze unreadable. He wasn't smiling. He didn't seem excited. He didn't seem like anything... except dangerous.

Perfect, she thought. I'll marry an intimidating statue.

She climbed the steps slowly until she stood in front of him. The silence between them was tense, almost electric.

—Princess Blackwood—he said at last, in a grave voice—. Welcome.

"King Hasting," she replied, barely inclining her head. "I suppose this is my home now."

—That depends on how well you adapt.

She raised an eyebrow. What a way to greet your future wife.

Before she could reply, one of her ladies-in-waiting tripped slightly, accidentally bumping into her. It was a small movement… but enough to make the princess lose her balance.

And so that Liam could hold her.

His hand closed tightly around her arm, pulling her too close. Too close.

The world seemed to stop for a second.

She felt his warmth. He noticed how she held her breath.

And then-

—Stay away.

Liam's voice was low, but sharp.

The princess blinked, confused.

-Sorry?

Liam immediately let go of her, taking a step back as if the contact had been a mistake.

"Anyone but you," he added, looking at the guards. "Keep your distance."

She watched him, somewhere between annoyed and surprised.

—Are you always this… charming?

—Only with those I don't trust.

—Then we started off very well.

She turned around, ready to go up alone,