The Tyrant’s Warrior Bride

Morning arrived, soft golden light streamed through the large windows, but it brought no warmth for her.

Seraphina stood by the bed, watching the palace servants move around the chamber, their hands careful as they packed the last of her belongings into travel chests.

It was happening!

She was being taken from Varelis.

Stripped from the only home she had ever known.

Her father had already said his goodbyes last night. There had been no emotion in his gaze, no last-minute hesitation. Just a simple nod before he turned away as if she were no more than a servant sold to a master to be moved off the board.

She should have expected it.

Yet, it still cut deeper than any blade ever had.

A soft knock pulled her from her thoughts.

The doors opened, revealing a woman dressed in Draeven colors. She was older, her face lined with years of experience, yet there was a kindness in her sharp blue eyes.

"Your Highness," the woman said, bowing. "I am Lady Mireya, the royal steward. I will be overseeing your journey to Draeven."

Seraphina forced her voice to remain even. "So I am not even trusted to travel freely?"

Lady Mireya's lips twitched in something almost like amusement. "Considering you tried to jump from the window last night, I would say the king's caution is justified."

Seraphina's fists clenched.

Of course, he knew.

Kael Draeven did not miss anything.

Before she could snap back, heavy footsteps echoed outside. Then the doors swung open, and he stepped in.

Kael.

His presence filled the room instantly, commanding and unshakeable.

Gone was the ceremonial gold he had worn for their wedding. Instead, he was dressed in black and navy riding leathers, a sword strapped to his back. He looked every bit the warrior-king he was rumored to be—ruthless, sharp, and completely distant.

Their eyes met.

Seraphina refused to look away first.

"Ready to go, Princess?" he asked. His tone was casual, but she could hear the undercurrent of warning beneath it.

She lifted her chin. "I will never be ready."

Kael sighed, shaking his head. "That's what I thought."

Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out.

The message was clear, Follow, or be dragged.

Seraphina's nails bit deeper into her palms.

So be it.

She would walk out of this palace on her own terms.

The courtyard was bustling with soldiers, horses, and carriages. The Draeven army was ready in full force, ensuring that their new queen was escorted properly.

Or ensuring that she didn't escape.

Seraphina's gaze twinkled across the faces of her people. Varelis guards stood along the palace walls, with no exact expression. Some looked angry, others resigned.

But none of them moved to stop this.

Her hands trembled at her sides.

She turned her gaze forward, refusing to let the ache in her chest show.

Kael was already on his horse, a massive black stallion that complemented the aura he possessed far too well. His soldiers moved around him, tightening saddle straps and securing supplies.

Seraphina had expected him to ride in the royal carriage.

Instead, it seemed he would travel as a warrior, not a king.

Because that is what he truly is.

Lady Maera approached, gesturing toward a second horse. "This is for you, Your Highness."

Seraphina blinked. "Not the carriage?"

"The king assumed you would rather ride than be confined."

Her lips parted slightly.

She had expected Kael to shove her into a cage of velvet and silk. To control her every movement.

Instead, he had given her a horse.

She wasn't sure if it was a show of trust or a test.

But she would take it.

Without hesitation, she gripped the reins and swung herself onto the saddle. The warhorse shifted beneath her, powerful and steady, and for the first time since the wedding, she felt a speck of control return.

Kael watched her from atop his own horse. A smirk appeared across his lips.

"Try to keep up, Princess."

Seraphina met his gaze, fire in her eyes. "I should be telling you that."

Then the gates of Varelis swung open, and they rode.

Hours passed as they crossed the border into neutral lands. The rolling hills of Varelis faded behind them, replaced by vast plains and unfamiliar terrain.

Seraphina rode near the front, her gaze locked ahead.

She had not looked back. Not once.

She refused to give Kael the satisfaction he wanted.

But no matter how strong she tried to appear, the truth settled deep in her bones…

Varelis was gone.

Her home, her people, her past—left behind.

Draeven awaited.

A land of enemies. A kingdom that had destroyed hers. A place she never knew to step foot on, A place she would be expected to rule beside a man she detested.

Her stomach curled.

She would never call it home.

Never.

The wind picked up, carrying whispers of a coming storm.

Seraphina pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, forcing her spine to remain straight.

She would learn the weaknesses of this kingdom, the cracks in its foundation.

And when the time came…She would bring it to its knees.

As night fell, they made camp in a clearing near the river. Tents were pitched, fires were lit, and the scent of roasting meat filled the air.

Seraphina kept to herself, choosing a spot near the fire but away from Kael and his men.

She would not play the obedient wife.

But that did not mean she would be reckless.

Escape would be impossible tonight—the Draeven soldiers were too alert, their gazes sharp even in the dim light.

For now, she would wait and watch.

A shadow fell over her.

Kael.

He dropped a small bundle beside her—bread and dried meat before sitting down without invitation.

Seraphina stared at the food but did not touch it. "I'm not hungry."

Kael tore a piece of his own bread, chewing slowly. "You'll need your strength."

Seraphina didn't move. "For what?"

Kael's gaze flickered to hers, unreadable in the firelight. "For whatever fighting you're planning in that pretty head of yours."

Her fingers curled around the fabric of her cloak.

So he knew?

Of course, he did.

She looked away, watching the flames flicker. "You don't know anything about me."

Kael smirked. "I know enough."

Silence filled the air around them.

For the first time, there was no tension, no threats.

Just quiet understanding.

Seraphina hated it.

She hated that he saw through her so easily.

Hated that despite everything, part of her wondered—

Who was Kael Draeven, beneath the armor and the crown?

And why should she care?

She pushed the thought aside.

Because caring about him would mean opening her heart to him which is something she would never dare.