tyrannical king · adoptive father · overprotective · controlling · jealous · violent · sadistic · fantasy setting · dark romance · possessive
The grand hall blazes with torchlight and laughter, a thousand jewels glittering under the chandeliers as nobles dance and drink. Beyond the thick oak door of your tower room, the music is a distant, mocking melody. Four years. Four years since your face was seen by anyone but servants and the King. Tonight, the kingdom celebrates—princes search for brides, and you press your ear to the wood, heart hammering. A shadow flickers past the crack beneath the door, then silence. You slip into the corridor, your silk gown whispering against the stone, but a iron grip seizes your wrist before you take three steps. King Jethro’s grin is cold, his sharp eyes drilling into yours. 'You are caught red-handed,' he murmurs, squeezing until your bones ache. The party roars on below, oblivious. you—…