Chapter Text
You storm after the attendant, his trembling figure a stark reflection of the tension that filled the air. With each determined step, the dimly lit corridors of Miguel’s palace seemed to close in. The private meeting room beckoned, as you had refused to meet in the throne room, as traditional when receiving visits from royalty. You cannot afford the prying eyes of Miguel’s court, their judgement a threat to the dignity of your kingdom. Your responsibility heavy with every step.
As the attendant leads you, the grandeur of the palace unfolds. Massive oak doors loom ahead, adorned with intricate carvings that whisper tales of power and conquest. The very walls seem to pulse with the history of tyranny. As you approach the doors, you shoot the guards scathing looks, and the hurriedly open them. You walk in, a whirlwind of red satin and equally red face, flushed with determination.
The moment the door swings open, his gaze falls upon you instantly, and his crooked smile grows ever wider. He sits at the head of the table on the far side of the room, crown on his head ever so slightly crooked on his dark, tousled locks. Miguel is the epitome of arrogance, taller than you even while sitting. The black tunic he wears hugs his massive frame and broad shoulders, but when his attention is on you, you feel as if he's completely in your control.
As you scan the room, you note the remnants of a brutal interrogation - a pool of blood stains the floor, and a menacing crimson blade rests on the table. Crimson-stained fingers, still flexing, betray traces of said interrogation. The metallic tang of blood lingers in the air, creating an unsettling atmosphere as you enter the room. His eyes are fixated on you, watching like a predator does its prey.
“Your Majesty,” You say, your curtsey a deliberate display of defiance, shallower than the customary respect demanded by the situation. A declaration that you will not kneel easily, even in the face of Miguel’s oppressive authority.
His smirk widens at your slight bow, relishing in your perceived submission. Internally, you battle the urge to match his arrogance with a fiery retort, reminding yourself of the hundreds of thousands relying on your resilience. His eyes roam up and down your body to appreciate your curves in the red silk dress you wear. As his gaze moves up to meet your eyes again, he shrugs and gestures to a chair.
"Sit."
An attendant, swift as a shadow, quickly steps in to pull the chair out for you, and then scampers out of the room again. Miguel studies you with his crooked grin as you sit down. There is a glint in his eyes as you sit down, and you can't help but feel a chill when they meet your own. Miguel leans back, crossing his arms behind his back, and says,
"Make this quick."
“Pray tell your Majesty, why did you feel the need to invade my kingdom?” You ask with a glare that could cut through steel.
"Invade?" Miguel raises an eyebrow as he glances at the bloody dagger and the splattered crimson stain across his lips. His smirk grows, as a hint of mockery slips into his voice.
"My army has simply made a minor expedition to your kingdom in order to obtain vital resources needed for the success of my own empire." He pauses for a moment before speaking again, looking you straight in the eyes.
"My soldiers have been nothing but respectful of the innocent citizens in your kingdom... as well as those less so."
“And what resource might that be?” You ask mockingly. If he wanted to fake diplomacy, then fine. Two can play that game.
Miguel, catching the mockery in your tone, snorts with calculated amusement. His response is measured, a deliberate attempt to maintain an air of diplomatic superiority.
"The resource I require is simply to expand my glorious kingdom. Corenthya's lands have the perfect climate and geography that can accommodate my expansion to the East. I would be foolish to not take advantage of it..."
“And did reaching out to me and my kingdom diplomatically just happen to… slip your mind?” You snarl.
Miguel shrugs before replying.
"Negotiations can take years. Lives are wasted on both sides in pointless talks on something that can be accomplished by much simpler means." He pauses before speaking again, his tone becoming more serious.
"You can surrender to me now, and I shall offer you mercy along with your subjects. Otherwise, I will simply have to take what I need by force."
You, taken aback, fight to maintain composure. Inside, the fire of resilience burns brighter, fueling your determination to protect your people and resist the oppressive forces before you.
“You’d murder my people, innocent lives, just to gain more land?”
Miguel looks you dead in the eyes with what seems to be a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I do not concern myself with the lives of those I view as inferior to my own. For me, the sacrifice will be insignificant to the vast benefits I shall see from the expansion of my empire."
“And why my kingdom? I have done nothing. We have done nothing, to yours.” You hiss.
"Cariño... your territory has prime geography for an empire like my own to expand. I would be a fool not to attempt to incorporate your lands into my kingdom. I do not concern myself with who is in control of your lands, whether it be you or your neighbor. Corenthya has been an ideal target for a while now." Miguel gestures to his knife as he raises his eyebrows.
"It's merely inevitable."
“Fine then. Name your terms.” You say, sinking back into the chair. You were not giving up, far from it. The real negotiations had now begun.
Miguel leans back as he strokes his chin, thinking for a moment before he answers.
"It's simple. You step down and relinquish control of your kingdom, and Corenthya's land becomes part of my kingdom. You yourself will be given a proper reward for aiding me in such a way."
“A reward?” You say, cocking my head in confusion.
"Indeed. You understand that my kingdom must be properly governed, and I require a governor to oversee it's new acquisition. You would be fit for the position - I have heard of your rule over Corenthya. You know the people best, and you can be the one to ensure their comfort in my rule. I do not take over kingdoms and leave them in ruin. I improve them." Miguel pauses for a moment before speaking again.
"So, will you accept?"
“You do not wish to take over my kingdom, merely… a merger of our two lands?” You say in surprise, not sure you fully understand what he asks.
Miguel pauses and gives a slight nod before he replies.
"Exactly. It would be foolish of me to simply destroy and take over Corenthya and its peoples. I am expanding my kingdom, not destroying my neighbors. This is a simple merger. Corenthya will become part of Nueva York, my glorious empire. Of course, you understand that I shall be the one in control of this newly joined empire?"
“Full control?” You say, not liking the sound of that.
Miguel gives a slight nod again.
"Of course. I am the King, the Emperor of this glorious empire after all. However, your role as a governor would be quite prestigious, as you would have a major say in the politics of my kingdom. You would be representing the people of Corenthya to me, and your opinions will always be taken into account when I decide upon something."
“Taken into account and promptly disregarded.” You think to yourself.
“I’m sorry but no.” You say sweetly.
Miguel raises an eyebrow, a silent challenge. Internally, you grapple with the moral cost of your decisions, questioning how much you are willing to sacrifice to safeguard your kingdom.
"I'm sorry, did I ask? Your kingdom is currently under siege from my army, and I can turn every one of them towards your people in an instant. Corenthya will belong to me regardless of whether I take it peacefully or not, but it is simply the choice of whether you wish to help me in doing so... or not."
“It’s not enough say in my kingdom, this… governor position you offer me. I go from being a Queen to what? Some measly advisor? I think not.” You say, your voice a mix of disdain and desperation, playing the role of a vain Queen almost too well.
Miguel grins, rising from his chair with an unpredictable shift in demeanor. His movements exude confidence, oscillating between playfulness and menace, leaving you on edge about the true nature of the Tyrant King. He seemed to revel in the unfolding drama, aware that the stage is set for his grand performance.
"Very well. I suppose I must take what I wish by force. This could have been much less violent for your innocent subjects, but I see you have chosen to let them suffer. My army shall continue it's siege, and I will take your kingdom by force whether you wish to remain queen or not."
“At least this way, my people will die serving a queen they loved. Can your people say the same for you?” You smirk, hoping to get a rise out of Miguel.
Miguel laughs and shakes his head.
"You are the boldest woman I've met yet... but do know that your people will submit to me - you cannot avoid that. Your subjects simply think you're too weak to make the decision they desire. The best thing for them would be to join with my empire, which is stronger than this measly kingdom of yours."
“Resorting to insults, are we? So you say… and yet, no one knows anything about your empire. You keep it so shrouded in mystery; how do I know you’re not bluffing about who you are?” You snark.
It was true, very little was known about Nueva York. Maps were drawn of the continent with neighbouring kingdoms border lines, and accounts of sailors from for their coastlines. Neuva York was simply a dark blotch on any major map. Secrecy was paramount, they did very little trade with outside kingdoms, preferring to lay siege to whichever area offered the most of whatever resource they needed next. Secrecy was so important, that when you prepared to leave for Neuva York, Miguel had sent a carriage, one with no windows to prevent you from seeing anything. It was ingenious, if you tried to flee, you’d have no idea where you were or where to go.
Miguel's eyebrows raise as his face tightens, anger filling his eyes. His smirk is no longer a playful one.
"Are you questioning my status as a king? Are you attempting to imply that you believe me to be some sort of lowly peasant? I am the king of the proud empire of Nueva York - the most dominant and prestigious kingdom on this continent, if not the world."
“If you say so…” You say in a singsong tone, mocking him. You were growing concerned. Very, very concerned about what you would have to do to keep your kingdom safe. You had tried to keep your temper in check, but his smug face was maddening!
Miguel's eye narrows at you as he stares you down. His tone becomes menacing, as he speaks through his clenched teeth.
"Do not mock me. You and this small pathetic kingdom of yours will soon be absorbed into my empire, whether it be peacefully or by force. That is the truth of the matter. You should be grateful that I would even offer you a place of power underneath me."
“Underneath you!?” You hiss angrily. “Underneath… you…” You say slowly this time, almost a whisper, as a plan forms in your head.
For the first time during the meeting. Miguel's expression softens as a glimmer of amusement flashes in his eyes.
"Now now... careful with your words, cariño. Are you implying that you would prefer to be on top of me?" Miguel asks with a small smirk. This one was different from when you first saw him. More playful, less menacing.
“Marry me,” you blurt suddenly, facing Miguel with a newfound determination, a plan forming rapidly in your mind.
Miguel's jaw slackens, taking a few seconds to process the unexpected proposition. His eyes, however, remain piercing, betraying a mixture of shock and amusement. Then, his face finally relaxes into a smirk.
"You wish for me to take you as my wife? Muy caliente."
You sneer at his choice of words, but lay out my plan nonetheless.
“It would be no loss in power on my part. An even merger of our kingdoms. No one needs to die, and I keep equal say in my kingdom.” You say quickly.
“Plus, you’d have a wife willing to help and support you in the acquisition of Corenthya, not someone actively working against you.” You say softly.
Miguel gives you a wry grin as he leans forward, his hands rested on his throne-like meeting chair.
"Such a wise suggestion cariño. With our kingdoms merged, my army shall become your own, and with you on my side, the conquest of Corenthya will be effortless. I'll have my army pull back and spare the lives of your subjects. However, I do have some conditions I will have you agree to."
“And what are those?” You say with gritted teeth.
"The first being that I will be the only ruler over our new empire. This is my kingdom now. The second is that you will be my wife... and you will not act out of turn with me, either. If I tell you something, you will do it. You'll no longer be 'Queen Y/N', you will be the one and only Empress, and you will follow my word or face my wrath. You will be my Queen of Nueva York and my wife. Can you accept that my love?"
“Draw up a contract.” You hiss at his scribes, seated at the table, eyes darting back and forth between the two of us like scared mice. A calculated move in the chess game unfolding. The demand for a written agreement becomes your shield in this perilous negotiation.
The scribes nods quickly, as Miguel stands up from his chair, walking towards you.
"This will be a beautiful union, cariño. A bond between two strong and dominant rulers. We will be an unstoppable couple. I do hope you're ready to spend the rest of your life with me..." Miguel says as he walks towards you, reaching out to take your hand in his.
“We’ll see how long it takes you to crack.” You say with a sharp grin.
Miguel grins, a menacing edge creeping into his laughter. The amusement in his red eyes evolves into a subtle menace, hinting at the darker facets of his very soul that lie beneath the surface.
"Cracking me will be the biggest accomplishment of your existence. However, you'll never figure out how to do it... I do not let anyone, especially my woman, get a step above me. I can't wait to dominate you and make you my wife... but it shall all come in due time, cariño."
“We’ll see…” You smirk, dying internally. You was about to bind myself to the most ruthless and blood thirsty ruler the continent has ever seen. Truly, a Tyrant King.
Miguel's grin widens, the tension escalating as the power dynamics shift. The room crackles with an unspoken challenge between two rulers vying for control, as he leans down to kiss your hand.
"You are such an interesting one, cariño. I feel that our union will be one of great passion and love... but also power too. I cannot wait to take you as my wife and make you mine for all eternity."
“Hurry up.” You hiss at the scribes in response, the urgency in your voice signaling the impending shift in the power dynamic. The room, filled with tension, awaits the next move in this high-stakes negotiation. His comment about eternity left you… unsettled.
“Does he know our secret?” A nasty voice whispers in your head.
The scribes hastily scribble faster, beginning to write down the contract to bind you and Miguel together. As they write, Miguel grabs your hand and pulls you toward him.
"Cariño, I will make this as fast as possible. I cannot wait to possess you and own you, body and soul. Not even death will allow you to escape my clutches. This contract will be for all eternity... my goddess."
“You’re sick…” You snarl, ripping your hand from his grasp.
Miguel gives you a harsh grin as a spark of anger flashes in his red eyes.
"I've heard that many times from women in my life before you, cariño. But let me make one thing clear, I will possess you once this contract is signed. Your mind and body will forever be mine alone, and you shall submit to me, without any exceptions. That is how this union shall be, sweetheart. What's more, you will enjoy it."
Beyond unsettled, you back away slowly.
“Your scribe is painfully slow, and I grow bored of this conversation. Have the contract sent to me once it is done.” You say, walking towards the door, turning your back to Miguel dismissively.
"You speak as if I would simply allow you to walk out of the room." Miguel walks up beside you, standing so close his body is close to touching yours. Miguel leans in, his lips almost against your ear as he whispers to you.
"This contract shall be in your hands in no time... and when it is, all of you - your mind, body, and soul - shall be mine to possess and claim forever. You will not leave this palace until you have signed this contract."
“I think not. I have arrangements to make, belongings to collect.” You hiss, pretending to be nonchalant, anything to hide the rising panic.
Miguel grabs your arm, spinning you so that you are now face to face with him. Miguel's strong hands wrap around both your arms as he leans in even further.
"Your arrangements can wait. For the time being, I come first. I control everything you do now. You do not make any decisions without me, and you definitely will not leave my palace until you have signed this contract. Do not test me."
“You do not own me yet, Emperor O’Hara. To hold me against my will now would be to take me prisoner, and my allies would love a chance to knock you down a peg.” You hiss.
Miguel snarls at you as the corners of his eyes twitch. His nostrils flare, and his expression grows even more stern.
"Are you truly that foolish? You believe your little allies could even attempt to go against me? I have hundreds of thousands of men at my disposal. They would all be wiped off the map in no time if they dared to fight me and my legion. I think it would be best if you accept that fact now."
“Be that as it may, you’d be surprised what word of mouth does to even the largest of armies moral. I will see you in a week’s time. Please have a chamber with a view of the gardens ready for me.” You say haughtily, making a break for the door, as gracefully as possible.
Miguel stares at you, completely unimpressed by your bluff. However, he does not move to stop you as you make it to the door.
"Do not make the mistake of thinking you own the power in this situation, cariño. As you said, I am not your husband yet, and I do not intend to be disrespected by my partner, especially in the beginning of our union together. So I am going to give you a little gift to show you just how much power I truly possess. A little reminder that you are now mine..."
“And what might that be Emperor?” You say with disdain, facing the large oak doors.
Miguel smiles, as he slowly walks forward, moving his body to position him right in front of you. His face is now inches from your own.
"Your kingdom is already under siege by my army. As your soon-to-be husband, I could easily call them off and spare lives. However, I don't think I will. I want you to see for yourself the consequences of challenging me. Your people shall become collateral damage for your ignorance... but you will know why. You just needed a little reminder of just who holds the power in this relationship cariño."
“Miguel…” You snarl, any form of diplomacy and regal training gone.
"It is not 'Miguel' anymore cariño. I am your lord, your king, your husband-to-be. You will refer to me by those titles whenever you speak to me. And right now, I see how you're starting to break... and I'm loving it. You speak as if you have the upper hand. You speak like you believe yourself to be better than me. I think you need another reminder..."
“Don’t you dare…” You rage, barely contained from springing forward and clawing out his eyes.
Miguel doesn't take one step back, his expression growing even more stern as he speaks to you.
"Don't I dare do what, cariño? Don't I dare order my army to take out your little city and destroy every last one of your subjects? Don't I dare take away everything you have? Don't I dare claim you as my wife and use you as I wish? Please, make another threat... I would love to hear it."
You stare we him mutely, barely contained fury under the surface of your skin.
Miguel smiles at you as he slowly puts his fingers against your cheek.
"That's it... let it flow. Show me your rage, show me how weak you truly are. I love it when women resist me at first, but then you all submit in the end. If it takes that long for you to break, it shall be all the more satisfying... to see you finally break down and submit to me cariño. It's all a part of the fun."
“Call off your army Miguel. Give me one week. Make it my wedding present if you must, but you’ve made your point.” You hiss, fatigue crawling out from the depths of your very bones.
Miguel pulls his hand gently away from your cheek with a knowing smile, his expression softening as he takes a step back.
"You see, that's more like it... this is how our relationship should be. You should have asked this first. But this time, I shall grant your request. As long as you promise to be a cooperative bride, I shall call off the siege of your city and spare your people. Of course, you will have to wait a bit longer as I would like time to plan our wedding. Is that all understood, cariño?"
“Understood.” You say softly, hissing softly as a guard nudges the curtains, and the rising sun falls upon your skin.
Miguel's eyes follow your every movement, watching you as your hand darts away from the light of the rising sun. He smirks as you hiss, a smile twitching at the edges of his mouth.
"Good. I can't wait to see you again cariño. And don't think you get to rest just yet. I will see you again soon. I still have plenty more gifts for you to receive. And I have a funny feeling that you may not like them. But that's okay... because you don't have a choice in the matter."
“Until then, your Majesty.” You say simply, the weight of Miguel’s words echoing in your mind as you make a dignified exit. The door closes behind you, leaving a lingering sense of foreboding in the air.
Miguel chuckles at your mockery of the title he prefers, his expression growing smug as you head for the door. He calls out to you, his tone playful
"Don't wait too long,” Miguel commands, his tone betraying the assumption of control. The lingering promise of future encounters resonates, leaving you with a sense of impending submission.
You retreat, a strategic withdrawal from Miguel’s presence, the weight of his words doing nothing to quell the ancient hunger gnawing at your core, having been ignored for too long. The grand doors close behind you with an ominous thud. The room seems to exhale, but the tension lingers.
As the moon ascends in the night sky, your reflection in the palace mirrors tell an untold tale of the dance between shadows and secrets that have just begun. In the silence of the night, your crimson dress conceals not only your power, but the thirst of a creature that transcends kingdoms. The game is afoot, and the night holds secrets yet to be unveiled.