Skye, her father, and their escorts arrived at the gates of Kristanlia's castle.
A line of guards was already waiting, as though they had been standing there for hours, anticipating their arrival.
Without a word, four more guards stepped forward and led them inside the castle.
The halls they passed through were vast, they could hear echoes with their every footstep. Skye's eyes darted everywhere and anywhere, taking in the infamous kingdom she had only heard of in stories. The rumors were true. The castle was bigger than theirs back in Gumstom, Kristanlia was indeed blessed with riches.
The citadel was magnificent. Tall, cold, and richly furnished. Yet there was little warmth to it. The castle looked nearly empty and lacked the feel that people lived here, then again they was barely any colour, it was painted in shades of white and grey, the draperies were black, and even the air seemed drained of color.
When they reached the doors of the throne room, the guards pulled them open.
Sitting on the throne was none other than the most feared prince in all the lands, the man everyone whispered about.
Prince Zed Laskaris.
His father had died years ago. Zed had slaughtered his brothers for the crown, but the council had denied him the title of king. For now, he remained prince, though the way he sat made it clear he considered himself king already.
"King Alexander," Zed's deep baritone voice called, steady yet commanding. "I have been expecting you."
Skye's steps faltered. She couldn't tear her gaze away.
He was…magnificent.
Amber eyes burned beneath his long dark hair, which carried a faint blue sheen when the light hit it. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his expensive attire cut from the finest materials. His presence alone carried such authority that Skye felt the urge to bow.
"Come. Sit," he said, gesturing to the long table as he walked towards them easily oozing confidence with an unsettling grin.
King Alexander and his men obeyed, settling into their seats.
"Thank you for welcoming us, Prince Zed," King Alexander said politely.
"My pleasure," Zed replied and his eyes slid to Skye. "I see you've brought your daughter."
Her chest tightened as she heard him refer to her. She forced herself to look at him and the small but sly grin he gave her was enough to make her shiver. Something about him was wrong. Every instinct told her coming here had been a mistake.
Zed nodded once before turning back. "So. What brings you here, sire?" He asked in a subtle mocking tone, but Skye caught it.
Alexander thought for a second but decided there was no use beating around the bush.
"We hope to establish a trade system with your kingdom," Alexander answered calmly and directly. He did not want to show desperation, though they were in urgent need of resources and their finance was lacking…
Zed stared at the older king before he chuckled, a low one low, the sound making Skye shift in her seat. Her father had said nothing funny.
"Beg me," Zed said, his voice steady.
Alexander stiffened. "What?" He asked believing he had heard wrong.
"Get on your knees," Zed repeated. "Beg, and I may consider helping you." His lips rising with a dark smile.
"Such madness!" Alexander snapped, pushing back his chair. "I will not humiliate myself for you."
He couldn't believe what he was asking, Skye watched with widened eyes, she had thought the Prince was cracking a joke but it did not seem so.
"Then leave," Zed said, spreading his arms wide. His smile never wavering.
"We came in peace, seeking trade and alliance," Alexander shot back. The Prince was being unreasonable.
"There is nothing peaceful about my kingdom Kristanlia, and I know yours is suffering" Zed said, standing and closing the distance between them. He loomed over the king, voice lowering. "And if I own the king, I own the kingdom."
Alexander's guards immediately drew their swords, just as quickly, Zed's men flooded in, outnumbering them.
"Just beg," Zed murmured, almost amused.
Skye surged to her feet. "How dare you demand such a thing from an elder king?"
Zed ignored her, keeping his eyes on Alexander. "Have you decided?"
Alexander's jaw tightened. He knew the truth, begging would only give Zed the amusement he was looking for and he could still take over Gumstom, coming here had been a mistake.
"I will not beg."
"You have a few minutes to rethink that choice," Zed said coolly.
"You disgust me," Skye hissed.
That finally earned his attention. He turned to her, expression sharp. "Women should not speak when men are talking."
"Then it's a good thing I am not just a woman but a princess" she shot back.
Zed laughed, the sound low and dangerous. "Careful."
"You will not disrespect my father," Skye said, stepping closer and Zed raised an eyebrow at her.
"Skye, step back," her father warned.
"You should listen to him," Zed threatened his voice darkening.
"No," Skye snapped. "If anyone should kneel, it's you."
For the first time, his smile faltered. His eyes narrowed. "Take them to the dungeons."
"Coward!" Skye shouted. She raised her hand to strike him, but Zed caught her wrist in midair.
"And make sure she gets her own special cell" he ordered. His grip seared into her skin, leaving it red and burning when he finally let go.
Turning his back, he walked out of the throne room.
The guards closed in. "Come willingly," one warned, "or we'll use force."
Alexander's hand rose, stopping his men from retaliating. With no choice, they followed Kristanlia's guards deeper into the castle's shadowed halls.