The King Forced Me to Marry His Daughter with a Locked Mask

The King’s Cruel Secret

Inside the dark, cramped space of the wooden barrel, Victoria’s face was beautiful, but her lips had been brutally sewn shut with thick, golden thread. Below her jaw, her skin bore the fresh, scarred brand of the royal crest. She was not a monster; she was a prisoner. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over the cruel stitches that kept her silent. Gabriel realized with sickening clarity that the barrel was not a protective mask, but a torture device designed to keep her from speaking the truth.

Before Gabriel could process the horror, the heavy oak door of the chamber burst open. King William strode in, flanked by three heavily armed royal guards. The king’s eyes locked onto Gabriel’s pale face, and a cold, ruthless smile spread across his lips.

"You were not supposed to open the latch until you reached your own lands, Prince," William sneered, drawing his sword. "But now that you know, you share her fate. You will keep this secret, or your family will pay in blood."

Gabriel backed away, shielding Victoria behind him. He demanded to know why a father would do such a thing to his own daughter. The king laughed, a hollow, terrifying sound. He revealed that Victoria had discovered his plot to poison the neighboring lords and seize total control of the realm. To prevent her from warning the council, he had branded her a madwoman, sewn her lips, and locked her away in the wooden cage.

The guards stepped forward, their swords drawn and ready. Gabriel was unarmed, trapped in a high tower with no hope of escape. The king offered a final, brutal choice: swear an oath of silence and wear a matching iron collar, or die in the tower alongside his silent bride. Victoria clutched Gabriel’s arm, her eyes pleading for him to save himself.