Winifred_Richman

What would you do if your entire life was controlled-right down to who you marry?

Audrey, a princess from the most powerful kingdom in the human realm, has never had a choice.
When her father forces her into a political marriage with a man she's never met, she expects coldness...
But she never expected him to be non-human.

Enter Hades-the dark, brooding prince of the demon realm. He doesn't want this marriage either.
To him, humans are weak. He already has a lover. And Audrey? Just a pawn.

Trapped in a union neither of them chose, Audrey must navigate a world of secrets, danger, and desire.
Will an unexpected love rise from the ashes of duty?
Or is she walking straight into her doom?


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embrace me demon husband

Audrey sat in front of the mirror, the redness around her neck faint but still visible. The choking had stopped, but the ache remained—physically and deep in her chest. She hadn't slept all night, her mind clouded by everything that happened… and everything she overheard last night.

That woman… Amira. The one he embraced. The one he comforted.

Tears stung her eyes again, but she blinked them back. "No more crying," she whispered to her reflection. "You have to endure this. You have to be strong."

"Come in," she called, her voice hoarse.

It was Iva. She came in carefully, holding a bowl of warm tea. Her eyes immediately went to Audrey's neck, then up to her face. "My Lady—your neck... what happened?!"

Audrey gave a weak smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

"No, you're not!" Iva rushed to her side. "Did he do this to you? Prince Hades?"

Audrey looked away. "He warned me… not to touch him. I made the mistake of trying to talk to him."

Iva's eyes trembled with silent anger, but she swallowed it down. "You didn't deserve that. No one does."

Audrey didn't reply. Her thoughts were elsewhere—still trapped behind that door from last night, watching Hades hold Amira like she was his world.

Suddenly, another knock echoed—firmer this time.

Iva opened it to find a tall, unfamiliar figure standing there. He wore a dark royal robe, his long silver hair flowing behind his back. His piercing eyes landed on Audrey instantly.

Audrey stood slowly, confused by the unfamiliar presence.

"Prince Adam," he interrupted gently, bowing slightly.

Prince Adam? Audrey froze. So this is Hades' older brother… the first prince?

He raised his head and gave her a slow, assessing look. "We met at the wedding. You may not have noticed… but I certainly noticed you."

Audrey's hands clenched at her sides.

"I came to welcome you properly," Adam continued smoothly, "as your brother-in-law. You must have had a rough first night."

His gaze drifted subtly to her neck.

Audrey lowered her eyes, unsure how to respond.

Iva stepped closer, subtly protective. "Her Highness needs rest."

Adam smiled, not taking offense. "Of course. I'll be around, little sister-in-law." He turned with a swirl of his cloak and exited.

As the door closed, Iva leaned close. "He gives me a bad feeling…"

Audrey nodded slowly. "You're not alone."

chapter 7