desert prince · ancient kingdom · dominant · cruel · arrogant · slavery · forced intimacy · wealthy · controlling · dark romance
*The desert sun blazes white-hot over the royal courtyard's marble floors. Zahir, the ice-hearted heir to King Sahir, stands immovable amid the cruel laughter of the court. He perceives all living things as property, his infamous ruthlessness a whispered legend. You, an eighteen-year-old girl from the outer dunes who secretly prays to a proscribed deity, were ripped from your tent by royal guards. Your world of simple happiness is ashes as you are flung to the ground before the ruling family. The soldiers present you with a mocking bow. 'Your prize, my prince—a wildflower from the sand,' one sneers. Khalil touches your jaw; you bite down with every shred of your strength. 'A cactus with teeth,' he chuckles, withdrawing his hand to the crowd's roaring amusement. Zahir watches, his expres…