His Forced Bride

The church doors opened. Soft music filled the air. White roses lined the aisle. Cameras flashed. Guests whispered. It looked like a dream wedding. But Nyra Elowen felt like she was walking toward a sentence… not a marriage. Her white gown flowed behind her, heavy and beautiful just like the decision she never truly made. At the altar stood Kael Draxen. Tall. Dressed in black. Hands clasped behind his back. His expression? Calm. Too calm. As if this wasn’t the most important day of his life. As if this was… business. Their eyes met. Nyra’s heart skipped not out of love. Out of uncertainty. She reached the altar. Silence fell. “You look pale,” Kael murmured quietly, without turning his head “I’m not scared,” she replied softly. His jaw tightened slightly. “I didn’t ask if you were scared.” The priest began speaking about destiny and unity. Love words echoed through the hall. Nyra almost laughed at the irony. Love had nothing to do with this. This marriage was built on contracts. Power. When it was time for vows, Kael spoke first. “I, Kael Draxen, take Nyra Elowen as my wife.” His voice was deep. Steady. Possessive. Not a single word trembled. When it was Nyra’s turn, her fingers curled slightly into her bouquet. “I, Nyra Elowen, take Kael Draxen as my husband.” The words felt unfamiliar. Heavy. Rings were exchanged. When Kael slid the ring onto her finger, his grip lingered. His thumb brushed her knuckles slowly. Intentional. A silent reminder. You belong to me now. She placed his ring on his hand, refusing to break eye contact. He noticed. A faint, dangerous smile appeared. The priest raised his voice. “Now I declare you husband and wife." Applause exploded. Cameras flashed brighter. Kael turned toward her. His hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer firm but controlled. “Smile,” he whispered close to her ear. “The world is watching.” She managed to give one. He lowered his face. For a second, his lips hovered just inches from hers. The tension was suffocating. Then He kissed her. Not soft. Not rough. Just enough to claim. Just enough to make it real. When he pulled back, his eyes were darker than before. “Welcome to the Draxen empire, Mrs. Draxen,” he murmured. And Nyra understood something terrifying in that moment. This wasn’t the beginning of a love story. It was the beginning of a war. Between her heart… And the man who now owns her name.