The grand hall of the kingdom exuded majesty with its towering ceilings and glittering crystal chandeliers casting a radiant glow across the room.
Golden ornaments adorned the marble walls, imbuing the space with a regal air, while massive pillars lined the hall, framing the gathering within.
Nobles and political figures stood in small clusters, speaking cautiously, each mindful of who might be listening and what was being said.
The soft clinking of wine glasses punctuated the atmosphere, adding an elegant yet diplomatically tense undertone.
"Commander."
Veren Kaelis stood in one corner of the hall, holding a wine glass just handed to him by a palace servant.
His gaze was sharp, unwavering as he surveyed the crowd, but to Veren, everyone here was a shadow—everyone except one person. Amidst the glittering jewels and fine fabrics, there was one figure he could not ignore.
Isolde Merthain.
Dressed in a simple red gown that hugged her figure, Isolde exuded a natural grace that transcended the finery of her attire. She needed no excess adornment to command attention; her very presence was captivating.
Her long, dark hair fell gently over her shoulders, giving her an air of purity that contrasted with the opulent surroundings of the banquet.
A soft smile graced her face as she conversed with other nobles, her voice calm and confident.
Every movement she made was elegant, and her intelligent gaze shone from behind long lashes that framed her striking eyes.
Veren sipped his wine in silence, her name echoing in his mind. He knew she was different—not like the other women who sought admiration or attention.
Isolde needed none of that. Her courage, her composure, and her apparent lack of fear toward him—all of these traits only deepened Veren's fascination.
When Isolde finished her conversation, Veren slowly placed his glass down.
With measured steps, he approached her, and as the distance between them diminished, he greeted her in a voice low and commanding.
"Lady Isolde. It is an honor to meet you tonight."
Isolde turned to face Veren, her eyes calm and unwavering. She showed no sign of fear, even under the intense gaze of the warlord.
A faint smile curved her lips, a gesture of courtesy, though she fully understood who stood before her.
"Commander Kaelis," she replied, her voice gentle yet firm.
"This kingdom owes much to your bravery and strategic mind. We all appreciate the dedication you have shown."
Her words flowed gracefully, but Veren could sense the deliberate distance she maintained.
It wasn't fear—it was the wise wariness of a woman who understood exactly who she was dealing with. Unlike others, Isolde did not submit easily.
Veren noted every detail, from the way she stood tall, her steady gaze, to her voice filled with resolve.
He knew Lady Isolde was unlike anyone he had met before. He raised an eyebrow slightly, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.
"But there is one thing," he paused, his eyes narrowing with the intensity of a predator poised to strike, "one thing this kingdom has yet to grant me."
Isolde looked at him with keen interest but remained cautious. She knew these words were not spoken idly.
"And what might that be, Commander?" she asked politely, a soft smile still on her face, though beneath it, her mind raced.
Veren leaned in just enough for his presence to be felt, making his dominance unmistakable. The difference in their heights became apparent as Isolde had to tilt her head slightly to meet his gaze.
His imposing figure cast a shadow over her, yet her stance remained firm.
She could feel the danger emanating from the man before her, but she stood her ground.
In a low voice that pierced through the air, Veren's words struck straight to the heart of her resolve.
"You, Lady Isolde."
For a moment, time seemed to stop. Isolde's eyes widened slightly, taken aback by the brutal honesty in Commander Kaelis's words. She quickly masked her surprise with a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
Yet within her, she understood the real danger behind those words. This wasn't merely a man's desire for a woman.
It ran deeper, darker—a relentless ambition driven by an unyielding obsession.
With remarkable composure, Isolde replied, "I am not something to be possessed, Commander."
Her voice was laced with the politeness of nobility, yet her message was clear—Isolde was not someone who would bow easily, even to a power as formidable as Veren Kaelis.
Veren chuckled softly, savoring the subtle defiance.
A thin smile remained on his face, but behind it lay an intensity that couldn't be ignored.
His gaze was like that of a hawk, never losing sight of its prey, patient yet merciless.
"We shall see, my Lady. You'll understand soon enough," he said, his tone a mixture of threat and promise.
Veren then turned and walked away, leaving Isolde standing frozen for a moment. Her heart beat faster, though outwardly she appeared calm.
Slowly, she glanced back toward Veren as he moved farther away, his posture tall and his stride filled with confidence.
There was a profound danger surrounding her, and she could feel the obsession lurking in his every step.
Taking a deep breath, Isolde straightened, gathering her composure. She knew that a game had just begun, and Veren Kaelis would be no easy adversary. But she was also not a woman to be controlled.
Meanwhile, Veren strode out of the hall, lighting a long, slender royal-era cigarette with a casual flick.
The smoke curled around his face, partially obscuring his still-smiling features.
His confidence was absolute, as if nothing in the world could stand in his way. In his mind, only one thought reigned supreme.
'You will be mine, Lady Isolde,' he thought with unshakeable certainty. Whatever it took, he would see it done.