The Movie Emperor Turned Out to Be the Captive Husband

The variety show was set halfway up a mountain, far from the city.

Besides the crew and the innkeeper, it was just the four of us.

On our first day, there weren't any tasks lined up—just some casual chit-chat.

Sean, ever the social butterfly, was the center of attention.

He was like a walking energy drink, always buzzing with activity.

His bright personality and vibrant energy were impossible to miss.

Feeling the awkward tension among us, Sean quickly suggested that we all hang out and play some games together.

As he spoke, he shed his jacket, revealing a tank top that showcased his bulging biceps. Sean knew exactly what the audience wanted to see.

Freya's eyes lit up, and she moved a little closer to him. I, on the other hand, scrutinized Harry. He was sitting across from me, unusually quiet and calm. It was a bit eerie.

Inside, I was fuming. Come on, Harry, step up your game! Sean's showing off his biceps; shouldn't you be flaunting your abs or something?

I couldn't help but glance at his midsection.

He looked pretty lean, but who knew if he had the goods.

He better not be as weak as my previous husband, who couldn't carry a box of groceries.

Just as I was lost in thought, Freya nudged my arm. "Amelia."

"Hmm?"

Freya, with a soft voice, said, "They're about to do an arm wrestling match. We should join in."

"Arm wrestling? I'm in!" I said, excited. Isn't making a big splash what this is all about? Time to show off the strength of our Ironclad Bastion.

Freya gave me a knowing look. Arm wrestling was the perfect opportunity for Sean to really strut his stuff.

Sean vs. Crew Member A. Sean won.

Sean vs. Crew Member B. Sean won again.

I rolled up my sleeves and plopped down in front of Sean before the next match could start. Sean frowned slightly. "Amelia, I don't usually arm wrestle with women."

I extended my hand confidently. "Then don't treat me like one."

Sean raised an eyebrow but reluctantly extended his hand. He applied about thirty percent of his strength. I matched him easily.

Sean's eyes widened with surprise.

He cranked up the pressure a bit. I remained unfazed, holding my ground.

"Amelia, are you..."

He bit his tongue, clearly struggling with his pride.

"I told you not to treat me like a girl."

Sean, determined, put all his strength into it, but my hand stayed as steady as a rock.

Sean's resistance started to falter.

With a decisive push, I slammed his hand onto the table.

The room went silent.

"Damn..." Someone muttered a curse from the crowd.

I released his hand, and he shook it out, forcing a smile on his face.

"You're really strong."

Seeing his face twisted in frustration, I suddenly felt a pang of guilt. "Should I, uh, go a bit easier next time?"

Sean was speechless.

Before the awkwardness could settle, the crew quickly stepped in to save the situation. "Everyone must be tired from arm wrestling. Let's switch to another activity!"

Sean's hand suddenly felt fine again. "Sounds good!"

As he spoke, he shot me a look that said he was itching for a rematch. His confidence was admirable, though it sometimes bordered on arrogance.

The original plan was to play Truth or Dare, with penalties involving drinking if one chickened out. The rules were a bit unclear to me, so I suggested, "How about this: the person the bottle points to has to drink. Simple and straightforward!"

The director, Logan Todd, hesitated. "Won't that..."

But Sean had already brought over a case of booze. "I'm in!"

Logan looked around for support. "Freya, you up for it?"

Sean, ever the gentleman, added, "Maybe the ladies should skip the drinking."

Freya suddenly raised her hand. "I'll drink!"

She flashed me a grin, and I grinned back.

Freya looked pretty badass, reminding me of the second-in-command back in Ironclad Bastion.

This was shaping up to be fun. Get them all tipsy, and I'd carry them back one by one!

Let the games begin.