In the Shadow of the Crown

The moment Eliza settled onto Raen’s lap, the world around them faded into quiet stillness.

She did not fidget.

She did not hesitate.

Her hair shimmered like living moonlight, cascading down her back in waves of pure silver, shifting subtly with the light as if reflecting the stars themselves.

Her eyes, once ordinary, had transformed.

Now, they were no longer just eyes.

They held the vastness of the sky and the endless depths of the ocean, a mesmerizing abyss of colors shifting between twilight blue and the deepest sapphire.

Yet, they were empty.

A breathtaking illusion, devoid of emotion, devoid of life.

Raen traced a slow path along her exposed collarbone, his fingers brushing over the pale skin.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

The mark he had left on her just days ago - faded.

A flicker of displeasure passed through him.

It was unacceptable.

Eliza was his.

And the world had to see it.

Leaning forward, his lips met her skin just above her pulse point.

A sharp sting - followed by a deep, dark mark blooming beneath his touch.

A possessive smirk tugged at his lips.

"Much better."

But it wasn’t enough.

His hunger for her, his obsession would never be sated with just this.

Tonight, he would take her again.

And this time, he would mark her in ways that would never fade.

***

The silk sheets tangled beneath them, the dim candlelight flickering over pale, flawless skin and golden eyes burning with control.

Raen’s grip was firm, his touch both reverent and unrelenting as he took what was his.

Eliza did not resist.

She did not respond beyond what was expected.

And yet, that was exactly what he desired.

Perfection.

His voice was a deep whisper against her ear.

"Mark me."

A command.

Nothing more.

Her lips pressed against his skin, not with desire, but with duty.

Her teeth left two dark bruises on his neck, bold and unmistakable.

Raen smirked in satisfaction.

"Now, let them see."

His doll, his beloved, had claimed him in return.

As it should be.

***

As the night faded into early dawn, Raen finally released her from his embrace.

His hand brushed over the curve of her belly - four months now.

A testament to their future.

His future.

"You will sleep in your chambers tonight."

A pause.

Then, her soft, obedient voice.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

No hesitation.

No emotion.

Only submission.

As she dressed and silently left, Raen watched her go, his golden eyes glinting with satisfaction.

Tomorrow, they would leave for the Imperial Villa.

And there the final step of his plan would begin.