THE UNWILLING PRINCESS

Leyla was still in shock as Naru led her through the unfamiliar world. They walked through a garden with trees whose leaves shimmered with a golden glow, and the sky was so dark purple it seemed like they were inside a piece of artwork.

"Welcome to my palace, princess," Naru said cheerfully.

Leyla flinched. "Don't call me that."

"But you are a princess."

"I am not."

"You married a prince."

"I was tricked."

"Still, legally, you're mine now."

Leyla stopped suddenly and gave him a sharp look. "Am I literally married to a demon now?"

Naru theatrically sighed. "Yokai prince, please. There's a difference. Stereotypes hurt, you know?"

Leyla huffed and continued walking.

As they neared the palace, Leyla noticed the surroundings becoming more surreal – the architecture grand, with red and black roofs adorned with golden ornaments, and the courtyard filled with creatures that seemed to have stepped out of myths.

She was too busy trying not to pass out from the stress to notice that everyone was watching her.

No, not just watching – staring.

And not in the way people look at strangers on the street. More like… like they were evaluating if she would be tasty.

"Why is everyone looking at me like I'm prey?" she whispered.

"Because you're human. And…"

"And?"

"And because you're now their princess."

Leyla turned to him, astonished. "What?"

But before she could protest, they reached the palace entrance. Huge black wooden doors creaked open, and they were greeted by hundreds of eyes.

The hallway was filled with yokai beings, all impossibly beautiful, with long silken hair, glittering eyes, and clothes that seemed sewn from moonlight itself.

But their expressions were far from friendly.

Especially the expressions of the female yokai.

Leyla felt a chill run down her spine.

"Is this her?" she heard someone whisper.

"Humans smell strange..."

"How is it possible that she became our princess?"

Leyla immediately wanted to turn and run. But before she could do anything, Naru loudly cleared his throat and raised his hand.

"I present to you my wife!"

Silence.

Then came shocked gasps, whispers, and even a few disgusted faces.

Leyla clenched her fists in anger. "You could've at least said 'temporary' wife."

Naru smiled. "I wouldn't want to break their hearts too soon."

At that moment, one of the female beings, a beautiful woman with horns and long silver hair, approached them with a cold smile.

"Your Highness," she said in a sweet but dangerous voice, "I'm sure this is some kind of joke?"

Naru raised an eyebrow. "I don't joke about such an important matter, Hana."

Hana stared at him for a few more moments before turning her gaze on Leyla.

"This is an insult."

"I agree!" Leyla shot back.

Naru laughed and placed his hand on Leyla's shoulder. "Don't worry, princess, they'll get used to you soon enough."

Leyla jerked away. "Move your hand before I break it."

"Oops, you're fierce. I like that about you."

"I DO NOT LIKE THAT ABOUT ME."

Hana looked at them in shock and disgust. "I can't believe you're talking like this in front of everyone!"

"You can't even imagine what we do when we're alone," Naru said conspiratorially.

Leyla went pale. "WHAT?!"

A collective gasp filled the air. Some yokai women clutched their chests as if they might faint.

Leyla instantly grabbed the nearest object – a decorative bowl from the table – and threw it at Naru. He caught it with a smile.

"I knew you'd do that."

Leyla groaned. "This is a nightmare."

Naru leaned closer. "If it's a nightmare, I'll be your prince charming."

Leyla swore. Loudly.

Welcome to a marriage from hell.