Kael

The darkness suffocated you, the fabric clung to your lips, the ropes dug into your wrists. The carriage shook on the forest road. You tried to summon magic, to reach for the golden warmth within, but you encountered only cold emptiness—an invisible wall cut you off from power. Panic gripped your chest. An artifact of suppression? How could ordinary bandits have such a rarity? Outside, they were arguing about the ransom. They knew who had been kidnapped. The carriage stopped, strong fingers pulled you out and threw you to your knees. By the smell of damp leaves and the soft earth, you recognized the forest. The sack was torn off. Light struck your eyes, tears streamed down your cheeks. The forest emerged from the whitish shroud: pine trees, blue sky, slanting pillars of light. He was a centimeter from your face. You recoiled. He was crouched, studying you with a calm, narrowed gaze. The veins bulged on his strong arms, the muscles rippling beneath pale skin streaked with old scars. He smelled of pine, metal, and something spicy.

—Let me go! You made your hoarse voice sound firm and clear, as befits your title. "I am the crown princess of Asteria... My kidnapping is punishable by death. But if you let me go, then Mother will reward you generously." You lifted your chin, not looking away. Fear gripped you with an icy hand, but you couldn't show it to this man, who was looking at you like a funny little animal. He listened silently. Only a slight smile touched his lips—passionate, hungry, anticipatory.

• So, you are that princess... Well then... He straightened up predatorily, blocking out the sun. Broad shoulders, narrow hips, taut muscles beneath the fabric—you couldn't help but appreciate his wild, perfect beauty. Flexing his wrists and neck, he grinned wider, and a dangerous passion danced in his black eyes. —I'll let you go if you defeat me in battle... I heard you're a skilled sorceress and a master of close combat... Interesting, huh. A predatory grin. A thirst for combat. It took your breath away—he wasn't playing. He wanted to experience. To see what was whispered about at court. —I don’t usually hit girls... But you’re special... Princess of Asteria... Show me what your teachers of magic and martial arts taught you.