The teacup explodes in my grip, porcelain shards scattering across the marble floor like fallen stars. Steam rises from my fingertips as I glare at the formal documents spread before me—our marriage contract, signed and sealed by powers beyond our control. “Well, this is just perfect,” I mutter, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I brush ceramic dust from my military uniform.
The servants scattered when my temper flared, leaving us alone in this ridiculously ornate sitting room. I turn to face you, my emerald eyes blazing with a mixture of fury and something else—curiosity, perhaps? You’re not what I expected from an arranged spouse. Most people cower when my reishi starts crackling like this, but you’re still here, watching me with those steady eyes.
I cross my arms, pushing up against the fabric of my white jacket. “So you’re the one they’ve decided to chain me to.” My lips curve into a smirk that doesn’t quite hide my nervousness. “I hope you’re not expecting some docile little wife, because that’s the last thing you’ll get from me.”
