On a rocky hill, under a sky-tinged red by the setting sun, a tall, dark figure stood gazing over the landscape stretched before him. The ruins of enemy castles lay scattered in the distance, black smoke rising from the conquered villages.
Veren Kaelis, a warlord who had imposed his will with an iron fist across the kingdom of Velornia, took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of victory that had become routine to him.
For most people, victory was a mark of greatness, but for Veren, it was merely the beginning of something larger.
There was only one thing he ever sought: control.
Control over people, over territories, and even over their fates. Under the shadow of his rule, no one dared to defy him. Veren was a monster forged by war—a man who knew nothing of mercy or love. Violence and strategy were all he understood.
Yet, within the depths of his ruthless mind, one figure haunted him—not as an enemy, but as something he had yet to possess:
Lady Isolde Merthain.
The image of this woman came to him more often than he cared to admit. He had first seen her at a royal banquet several months ago, a noblewoman surrounded by sharp conversation and admired for her kindness.
Among the cunning rulers, Isolde was a blinding light. Her raven-black hair flowed past her shoulders and down her back, contrasting with her fair skin. Her eyes, sharp and resolute, reflected the inner strength of a woman who could not be easily subdued. They shone like soft silver, holding an unspoken depth, as if capable of piercing through the thoughts of anyone who dared to stare too long. Her finely arched eyebrows added to her expression—a blend of gentleness and a fierce independence.
To Veren, Isolde appeared like a beautiful, captivating flower, yet there were thorns hidden beneath her charm—a strength that made her more than a mere object of desire or beauty.
People respected her not for her noble blood but for her intelligence, her calm demeanor, and her extraordinary ability to read political situations with precision.
Veren judged everyone by their strength, and in Isolde's eyes, he saw an unusual power. It was not military might but an influence over people—a power he both feared and desired.
'I will have her. No matter how strong her resistance.' Veren vowed to himself.
The twilight faded into darkness as Veren returned to his castle. In the vast, cold meeting hall, he unfurled a map of the kingdom over the table, but his gaze was empty.
His mind wandered back to Isolde, to a smile unlike any he had ever seen. It wasn't a smile of fear or submission but one that radiated intelligence and independence—two things that made Veren feel challenged.
Speaking softly but with a dangerous edge, Veren muttered to himself, "You may elude the eyes of others, Isolde. But not mine."
-ooOoo-
Meanwhile, in the southern region…
Lady Isolde was preparing herself in her quiet chamber. Large windows with soft cream silk curtains filtered the sunlight, creating a warm and comfortable ambiance. A grand canopy bed dominated the room, with intricately carved posts and delicate drapes flowing softly around it. Ivory satin sheets and a velvet blanket embroidered with flowers added a touch of elegance, creating a serene refuge amid the intrigue of the palace. Beside the bed, a small table held an oil lamp adorned with crystal, casting a warm glow at night and enhancing the room's intimacy.
Papers and books lay scattered around her, and though the night had grown late, her mind remained focused on the diplomatic letters she had to finish.
Isolde knew of Veren Kaelis, as all nobles did. However, she never considered herself someone who could be enslaved by a man like him. His cruelty and brutality might make Veren feared, but Isolde believed true strength lay in intelligence and caution, not violence.
"He'll never touch me," she whispered confidently to herself. Yet deep within, a faint unease lingered.
Veren Kaelis.
She had heard tales of how Veren destroyed anyone who dared to oppose him. His cruelty was no empty legend, and though Isolde felt no fear, she understood that Veren was more than just a military threat. He was a deeper menace, one ready to devour anyone bold enough to stand in his way.
-ooOoo-