The palace of Seoul exhaled a heavy, suffocating silence. In the corridor, Queen Myung and Prince Jeon stood like statues of salt, their spines curved in a permanent, practiced submission.

"Does Father know my bride is waiting for me?" the Prince whispered, feeling helpless his voice a thin, vibrating wire.

"Silence," the Queen hissed, her eyes darting toward the shadows. "If he smells your fear, he will find a reason to break you. Just pray he is satisfied tonight by your bride ."

Inside the bridal chamber, Y/N sat on the edge of the silk-draped bed. The scent of jasmine oil clung to her skin, a fragile shield against the oppressive gloom of the fortress. She smoothed the heavy embroidery of her gown, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

The door slammed open. The sound echoed like a gunshot through the vaulted room.

King Jungkook stepped inside. His presence filled the space, smelling of sandalwood, expensive leather, and something metallic, like old blood. His eyes, dark and predatory, raked over her with a hunger that made the air feel thick.

Y/N scrambled to her feet and dropped into a deep, trembling bow.

"Father-in-law, I welcome you to—"

"Look at me," Jungkook commanded. His voice was a low rumble that vibrated in her marrow.

She lifted her gaze, her pupils dilated. He stepped closer, the heavy thud of his boots marking the seconds of her impending doom. He reached out, his calloused fingers gripping her chin with a bruising intensity, forcing her head back to expose the pale line of her throat.

"You are a delicate little thing," he murmured, a cruel smirk tugging at his lips. "My son is too weak to appreciate the curve of a hip or the heat of a womb. He doesn't deserve a prize like this."

Y/N’s breath hitched. "I... I was waiting for my husband, father."

Jungkook let out a harsh, guttural groan. He stepped into her personal space, his massive frame casting a shadow that swallowed her whole.

He gripped her arms, his fingers digging into her soft flesh.

"Your husband is a boy. I am a King," he spat against her ear, his hot breath sending a shiver of terror and unwanted heat through her. "I will taste every inch of you first to ensure you are pure. I will break you in before he even learns your name."

He shoved her back toward the bed, the mattress dipping under her weight.

"Now," he growled, his eyes darkening with lust. "Strip. Make yourself naked and present yourself to your King."

"Father, please..." Y/N whispered, tears spilling over.

"I am not your father," he roared, his voice shaking the walls. "I am your king. Strip, or I will rip those silks from your body myself."