The Tyrant’s Warrior Bride

Morning arrived too early, the air was sharp and cold as Seraphina stepped out of her tent. A fog lingered over the camp, curling around the horses and soldiers like eerie figures.

The world was too quiet.

The only sounds were the rhythmic sharpening of swords, the occasional snort of a horse, and the low murmur of voices coming from Kael's command tent.

Seraphina's gaze gleamed across the camp, noting how effortlessly organized it was. Everything had a place. Every soldier had a purpose.

Draeven's army was disciplined and ruthless.

She hated to admit it, but there was no weakness here.

She pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, resisting the urge to shiver.

Her own kingdom had never looked this strong.

That realization annoyed her more than she wanted to admit.

 ***

A servant approached, offering a small bundle of food. Simple rations of bread, cheese, dried meat.

Seraphina accepted it but didn't eat.

She wasn't hungry.

She was still figuring out her next step since escaping wasn't an option.

She had spent years studying the art of war, analyzing enemy movements, and learning how to dismantle an army from within.

If she was going to survive Draeven, she needed to understand how Kael thought.

What he valued. What he feared.

And that meant playing the game his way.

Seraphina turned, heading straight for his tent.

The two guards stationed outside stiffened as she approached. One hesitated before speaking. "The king is not to be disturbed."

Seraphina raised a brow. "Then tell him his wife requests an audience."

There was a pause.

Then, after a brief exchange of glances, one of the guards slipped inside.

Moments later, the flap lifted.

"Enter."

Seraphina stepped in. Inside the Lion's Den.

The command tent was larger than she expected.

A table stood at the center, maps and scrolls spread across its surface. Several soldiers lingered nearby, their conversations cut short the moment she walked in.

At the far end, Kael sat in a high-backed chair, cleaning his blade with a cloth.

His fingers moved with skillful ease, the motion slow and deliberate.

He didn't look up. "You're up early."

Seraphina ignored the obvious observation. "We need to talk."

Kael's lips wriggled in something too amused to be a smile.

Finally, he set his blade down, meeting her gaze with unreadable intensity.

"Do we?"

Seraphina clenched her fists.

She hated this—hated the way he acted so unbothered, so effortlessly in control.

She refused to let him dictate this conversation.

"I want to set some rules."

Kael arched a brow. "Rules?"

Seraphina held his gaze. "If I am to be your queen, there will be conditions."

The room fell silent.

One of the soldiers coughed, shifting uncomfortably. Another had the audacity to smirk.

Kael, however, simply leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Go on."

Seraphina took a breath. "First, I will have my own chambers once we reach Draeven."

A glimmer of something crossed his face—surprise? Amusement?

He tilted his head. "You think I intend to share?"

Seraphina's cheeks burned from embarrassment.

She forced her expression to remain blank. "I am simply making things clear."

Kael's smirk deepened. "Noted. Continue."

Seraphina lifted her chin. "Second, I will have authority over my own court. My own attendants. My own decisions."

Kael tapped his fingers against the table. "That depends."

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "On what?"

Kael leaned forward slightly, voice lowering. "On whether I trust you."

Her stomach twisted.

Trust? That was never going to happen.

But she had to win this battle.

Seraphina steadied herself. "Then allow me to prove my loyalty."

Kael exhaled, studying her for a long moment. "And how will you do that?"

Seraphina met his gaze, her voice steady. "Give me a task. A trial. Something that will show you I am not a threat to your throne."

The tent went deathly still.

The soldiers exchanged glances, as if unsure whether to be impressed or concerned.

Then…

Kael laughed.

Not a cruel laugh. Not mocking.

But a deep, low, and Amused laugh.

Seraphina's breath caught, "What the hell was so funny?"

Kael shook his head, standing. "Alright, Princess. You want a trial?"

He stepped closer, and for the first time, she realized how much taller he was.

How much presence he carried.

His next words sent a chill through her.

"You ride with me to the border tomorrow. No guards, No titles, Just you and me."

Seraphina froze.

The border?

The place where Draeven forces clashed with the remains of her people?

He was testing her.

He wanted to see if she could handle the reality of his rule.

Her fingers curled into a fist, pressing hard against her palm.

Fine. She was ready to play his game.

Seraphina lifted her chin. "Done."

Kael's smirk returned.

"Then let's see what you're really made of, Princess.