A ROYAL OBSESSION

Leon loomed over Maya, his expression a hard scowl as he glared at her. The nerve of this woman. Just two days in his home and she thought she could bring light into his life. Opening those curtains? He had grown accustomed to the darkness—he was the darkness itself, and he preferred it that way. His things were meant to remain untouched, his personal space uninvaded. Who did she think she was to impose her changes on him?

Maya stood her ground, trembling slightly but meeting his gaze. "H-huh?" The words came out, steadying herself despite the confusion and fear brewing inside her.

"How dare you touch my belongings?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous as he moved closer. The dim light filtering through the windows illuminated the tension in his features.

Maya narrowed her eyes, confusion clear on her face. "What belongings?" She had been careful to keep to herself since arriving, avoiding any trouble. She hadn't breached any unwritten rules, yet here he was, furious. The accusations felt unjust.

"Don't play dumb. Who gave you the right to open those curtains and windows?" His tone was sharp, each word laced with anger.

Maya suddenly understood. She had indeed asked to have the curtains drawn back and the windows opened to let in light. She hadn't anticipated it would anger him. Realization dawned like a cold wave.

"I'm sorry about that," she responded, taking a calming breath and clenching her fists.

He only glared harder. "I was scared because of the darkness. I don't like being in a dark place, and-," she continued, her voice steadier now as she tried to express herself.

"Do I care what you like?" he interrupted, his voice rough and harsh, a stark contrast to the calm demeanor she had seen before. He sounded primal, like a wild animal bracing to pounce.

Maya quickly reassessed her approach. Why did she think he would understand? After all the rumors she had heard, what made her believe he would listen? She was a stranger to him, a new bride, yet she had hoped for him to accept her presence without contest. But his rage over something as simple as curtains was baffling.

"I'm sorry," she repeated softly. She didn't want conflict; apologizing seemed like the safest route. But she underestimated the man in front of her.

"Did no one tell you those have never been opened?" he retorted harshly. "I don't allow light in here. Those torches are enough unless you're blind."

Maya clenched her teeth in frustration. She had already apologized; she expected him to let it go, to act like a man and move on. Instead, he was going to insult her. "I'm not blind, your majesty. The torchlight isn't adequate for this vast castle. I apologize for being frightened by the darkness and for opening the curtains, but please, close them back and live in your shadow," she shot back.

Leon leaned back, and for a moment, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Are you talking back to me?" he asked, an eyebrow arched.

Maya closed her eyes, frustration boiling within her. What had she gotten herself into over something so trivial? If she had known this confrontation would escalate, she might have heeded the servants' warnings and left the curtains alone, resigning herself to navigating the darkness with Nadira at her side.

"I didn't mean to, your majesty," she said, striving for calm. "Please forgive me for everything." Her voice was steady, unyielding.

"If you knew me, Maya, you would understand that I don't forgive. And for this trespass, you need to be punished," he declared, his tone devoid of any warmth.

Taken aback, she blurted out, "Punished?"

Before she could process the implications, the door swung open, revealing guards entering the room with torches that brightened the shadowy space.

Maya regarded them with skepticism before her attention returned to the man standing before her. "What are you planning to do?" she asked, her voice steady.

He maintained eye contact, seemingly disregarding her presence entirely, and issued a command. "Take her to the dungeon." The guards immediately began to move, responding to his order without hesitation.

Maya's eyes widened in disbelief. "The dungeon? Are you serious? You would send me to the dungeon? I'm your wife—how can you do this?" She struggled to comprehend the situation. She had heard many things about him, but this seemed unimaginable. Was he going to take her to the dungeon simply for opening the curtains? Even after she had apologized? And what did he mean when he said he didn't forgive?

He stepped closer, his voice slow and deliberate, slicing through the air. "You're my wife in name, not in right. If you forget your place again, I'll ensure you remember it."

A chill ran down Maya's spine as if she had been doused with ice water. She found it difficult to respond, the weight of his gaze heavy with a mix of anger, annoyance, and disdain directed toward her. "Take her away," he commanded again, and this time the guards moved swiftly, seizing her by the arms and leading her out of the chamber.

A.N.: Dear readers, this is a subtly dark romance novel featuring a complex male lead who is cold-hearted and dangerous even to those around him, while the female lead is calm and resilient, a character who will evolve as circumstances compel her to stand up for herself against his harshness. The story begins with an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, filled with intense and passionate moments. If you choose to embark on this journey with me, I welcome you wholeheartedly. If this isn't your cup of tea, I completely understand. My goal is to present something fresh and different from my previous works, and I hope you'll find it engaging. Thank you for your support and patience.

Love, Zia.