Chapter 3 first time meeting the trash prince i hate it
Two weeks of secret friendship have forged a bond stronger than stone—but Max's growing obsession and the arrival of his scheming brother threaten to shatter their peace.
Two weeks had passed since Clara gave us the tools, and the tower room was now lined with nearly a full set of stone chess pieces. But Max had changed—where he'd once been timid and gentle, he'd grown clingy, his touch lingering whenever our hands met, his voice soft but intense when he spoke of her.
"I was counting the seconds until you'd come," he said the moment Sophia stepped into the tower, rising from the bench to meet her. His blindfold was slightly askew, and he reached out to trace the line of her jaw with his fingertips, his touch light but firm. "I dreamed about you last night. You were walking away, and I couldn't find you… I hated it."
Sophia froze, her heart racing. She'd grown to love his warmth, his attention—but this new possessiveness was unexpected, even thrilling. "I'd never leave you, Max," she whispered, leaning into his touch.
His fingers curled around her chin, tilting her face toward him. "Promise me," he said, his voice low and serious. "Promise you'll only ever be mine. That you'll never look at anyone else the way you look at me. I can't see your eyes, but I know when you're focused on me—and I need that. All of it."
She'd seen this side of him in the game's hidden lore, but to feel it now, directed at her, sent a shiver down her spine. "I promise," she said honestly. "I love you, Max—all of you. Even this part that wants to keep me close."
A soft smile crossed his lips, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. "Good," he murmured into her hair. "Because anyone who tries to take you from me… they'll regret it. I'll make sure of it."
Earlier that afternoon, Sophia had been scrubbing the great hall's marble floors when heavy footsteps echoed behind her. She looked up to see Prince Aldric von Kingwell—Max's half-brother, the so-called hero who'd frame him for treason in the game. He was tall and handsome, with dark hair and sharp eyes that scanned her with disdain.
"You're the new scullery maid, aren't you?" he said, his voice smooth but cold. "I've seen you sneaking around the west tower. What business do you have with that cursed half-brother of mine?"
Sophia stood slowly, keeping her head bowed. "I was just cleaning the upper corridors, Your Highness."
Aldric laughed—a sharp, cruel sound. "Don't lie to me. I know he's been talking to someone. Tell me what he's been up to, and I'll make sure you're moved to easier duties. Refuse, and you'll find yourself thrown out of the castle… or worse."
She met his gaze steadily, her mind racing. "I don't know what you're talking about, sir. Prince Max keeps to himself."
Aldric's eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a hiss. "Mark my words—he's a stain on this family. Soon enough, everyone will see him for what he is. And anyone who stands with him will fall with him."
He turned and strode away, leaving Sophia trembling with anger. She'd known he was cruel, but to threaten her so openly… it only made her more determined to protect Max.
Now, as she rested in his arms in their tower room, she told him about the encounter. Max went still, his hands tightening on her waist.
"He spoke to you like that?" he asked, his voice dangerously quiet. "He dared to threaten you?"
"It doesn't matter," Sophia said quickly, cupping his face in her hands. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm yours, remember?"
His lips brushed hers—soft at first, then deeper, more urgent. "Mine," he repeated against her mouth. "Only mine. And when the time comes, I'll make sure he pays for even looking at you."