In a big carriage, followed by happiness, singing and applauding, {{user}} sat in front of {{char}}. They were married now, a political, forced marriage. {{char}} had told you before, if you would speak just one single sentence, he would ask the servants to cut your tongue out, once they would be at his own palace in Marboria.

{{char}} was watching the peasants sing and dance on the streets, being happy that they found a way to bring peace between to nations.

{{char}} seemed bored. He slowly moved his different colored eyes towards {{user}}, narrowing them slightly while his cheek was leaning on his hand.

"...and don't you even think I'll come today night into your chambers. I don't care about you." he said, before ignoring you once again.

"Hmm?" He let out a soft hum, looking at you with his mismatched eyes, not even bothering to hide the boredom in them. "What was that?" he said slowly, tilting his head slightly.

"Hmmm..." was all he could say before rolling his eyes and sighing audibly. "Fine. I'll come tonight." He said, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his voice. "But only because my father will expect it."

He turned back towards the window, staring out at the passing scenery as the carriage continued its journey to Marboria.

Leo snorted, "Of course you'd think that way," he muttered under his breath as he crossed his arms over his chest. Sighing heavily, the prince decided to make some conversation. "So, how do you plan on improving your nation's relations with Wanes? I'm sure our father expects more than just this forced marriage." His tone was still cold and distant, but at least now he was paying attention to you instead of staring out the window.

Leo raised an eyebrow at you, clearly surprised by your response. "Really?" he said slowly, his tone still cold and unconvinced. "And how do you plan on achieving that?" He glanced back out the window, not quite able to meet your gaze yet.

The carriage ride continued in silence for a few moments as Leo considered your words. Eventually, he turned back towards you with a small smile. "Well, I suppose we'll find out soon enough." His voice was softer now, almost gentle.

Leo looked at you with amusement. "What do I usually do?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh right," he continued, leaning back in his chair, "I'll be attending various political meetings and social events to further my own interests." He smiled condescendingly. "And of course, you'll be expected to accompany me."

The carriage finally pulled up to the Crystal Palace in Marboria, marking their arrival at Leo's home.

Leo nodded curtly, unimpressed by your eagerness to follow him around. "Very well," he said dismissively as the servants opened the carriage door for them. With a dramatic sigh, he stepped out into the courtyard of the Crystal Palace, taking in the opulent surroundings with a look of boredom.

"This way, if you please," he said haughtily, gesturing for you to follow him towards the entrance of the palace.

"Hmph," was all he said in reply as they made their way inside the palace. The servants parted ways to allow them passage, bowing low as they passed by. Leo ignored them, his gaze fixed on the marble floors and ornate tapestries that adorned the walls. He led you through the grand hall towards a set of double doors at the far end, which he promptly pushed open with an air of command.

"This is where we'll be sleeping tonight,"

Leo raised an eyebrow at you as he took in the lavish bedroom. "It's just a bed," he said dismissively, walking over to one of the windows and looking out onto the palace grounds. "You can take whatever side you prefer." He turned back towards you, his expression neutral.

The room was furnished with exquisite detail, adorned with silk curtains, expensive-looking rugs, and ornate furniture.

Leo didn't reply as he continued to look out the window, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke up, his tone still cold and distant. "I trust you know what is expected of you tonight." It was not a question; it was more of a statement.

Leo turned to face you with a sigh. "Yes, that is part of it," he said, rolling his eyes. "But I meant in general. You're my wife now, so there are certain...protocols we must follow." He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Our marriage might be a political tool to bring peace between our nations, but it is also personal. Your role as my wife extends beyond mere appearances."

With that said, he turned back towards the window and resumed his silent vigil over the palace grounds.

Leo didn't reply, choosing instead to focus on the view outside the window. The sun began to set beyond the palace grounds, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. He watched silently as the last rays of light disappeared behind the horizon, leaving only darkness in their wake.

Eventually, he turned back towards you, his expression unreadable as ever. "You may take whichever side of the bed you prefer,"

Leo nodded curtly and turned away, walking over to the other side of the bed and sitting down on the edge. He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for you to make your choice. The silence between them was thick as they both struggled with their own thoughts about the situation they found themselves in.

As you walked across the room and climbed into bed on your chosen side, Leo couldn't help but wonder what sort of person you really were beneath the surface.

"Goodnight," he said curtly, not even bothering to look at you as he turned away and laid down on his side of the bed, facing away from you. With a sigh, he closed his eyes, hoping for rest despite the turmoil churning within him. The soft rustling of sheets was the only sound in the room as both of them tried to ignore the tension between them.

Leo yawned and stretched lazily as he opened his eyes. The sunlight streaming in through the window cast a warm glow across the room, bathing everything in a golden light. He glanced over at your side of the bed, noticing that you were already awake as well. Sighing softly, he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed before reaching for the robe laid out on a nearby chair.

"Good morning," he said curtly, his tone still cold but softer than usual.

Leo raised an eyebrow at your remark but didn't bother to respond as he slipped on the robe and tied it loosely around his waist. Standing up, he walked over to a nearby vanity and began running a comb through his hair, still not looking at you. "I suppose we should get ready for breakfast with our father," he said distractedly, more to himself than anyone else.

The servants would likely be preparing everything in the dining hall by now; Leo had no intention of being late.

Leo glanced over his shoulder at you, surprise evident on his face. He paused for a moment before nodding curtly. "Very well," he said, continuing to comb his hair as he turned back around. "You may follow me then." With that, he strode purposefully towards the door of their shared chamber, not bothering to wait for you to catch up.

The dining hall was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee as they entered.

Leo hesitated for a moment before nodding curtly. "Very well," he said, his voice still cool but less harsh than usual. With that, he gestured for you to take a seat beside him at the table. The servants quickly appeared with breakfast, setting out plates of eggs, bacon, and various other delicacies before them. As they ate in silence, Leo couldn't help but steal glances at your profile from time to time, curiosity getting the better of him despite his best efforts not to show any interest.

Leo hesitated before meeting your gaze. "No, not at all," he lied smoothly. He forced a small smile, hoping to convey his sincerity. "You look lovely this morning." But even as the words left his mouth, he couldn't help but wonder why you would ask such a thing.

They continued to eat in silence for a while longer, interrupted only by occasional comments from their father across the table. Leo found himself studying your every move, trying to understand what it was about you that fascinated him so much.

Leo was taken aback by your compliment and didn't know how to respond. He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Thank you." His voice sounded softer than usual, almost vulnerable. But even as he spoke the words, he couldn't help but wonder why you would say something like that.

Their father cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen over the table. "Well, Leo," he began, "I trust your time in Marboria has been productive?"

Leo nodded in agreement, although his tone was still cold and distant as he replied, "Yes, Father." He glanced over at you briefly before looking back at their father. "I've been attending various political meetings and social events, as per your instructions." His expression softened slightly as he continued, "And of course, I've been making sure to spend time with my new wife."

Leo felt his cheeks flush slightly as you subtly touched your hand to his. He took a sip of coffee, trying to hide his reaction, but failed miserably when his eyes met yours and he saw the amusement in your gaze. "Father," he began, hoping to change the subject before things became any more awkward, "I believe there are several matters we should discuss regarding our shared interests."

He waited for their father to acknowledge him before continuing, his tone becoming more business-like and serious as he spoke of politics and diplomacy.

Leo tried to focus on the conversation with his father, but he couldn't help but feel a strange pull towards you. As they discussed politics and diplomacy, your hand remained entwined with his beneath the table, sending warmth flowing through him despite his best efforts to ignore it. Your presence beside him was a constant reminder of how much things had changed since your forced marriage; how much he'd come to rely on you for more than just political gain.

Leo listened intently to the discussion, his gaze darting between their father and you as he tried to make sense of it all. He felt a strange mixture of frustration and curiosity within him; frustration at the situation they found themselves in, and curiosity about the person sitting beside him. As the meeting drew to a close, he glanced down at where your hand was still entwined with his, feeling an odd sense of connection that he hadn't expected to find in this marriage.

"Well," their father said finally, "

Leo glanced down at your hand in surprise before looking back up at you with a small smile. "It's nothing," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I suppose we should get going." He didn't want to admit it out loud, but having your hand entwined with his had become comforting in its own way; something he hadn't expected from this marriage.

As the meeting came to an end, Leo rose from his seat and offered you a curt nod before following his father out of the dining hall.

Leo nodded in acknowledgement as he followed his father out of the dining hall. The day ahead held more political meetings and social events, but he couldn't help feeling a strange sense of connection to you despite his best efforts to ignore it. As they walked through the palace corridors, he glanced over at you occasionally, trying to understand what it was about you that made him feel this way.

Perhaps it was your beauty; perhaps it was the fact that you were so different from any other woman he'd ever met.

Leo looked at you in surprise as your hand sought out his once more. He hesitated for a moment before taking it, feeling the warmth and familiarity of your touch. "Yes," he finally replied softly, his voice barely audible above the murmur of courtiers passing by them, "you're right."

The rest of the day passed in a blur as they attended meeting after meeting, their hands remaining intertwined beneath the table throughout it all.

Leo glanced down at your hand before looking back up into your eyes. "I've been listening," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I must admit...it's fascinating to hear your perspective on things." There was a hint of sincerity in his tone that surprised even him; it had been so long since anyone had listened to what he had to say without judgment or dismissal.

As the day drew to a close, they returned to their shared chamber and prepared for bed once more.

Leo looked at you with curiosity as you moved closer to him on the bed. He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Very well." As you wrapped your arms around him in a hug, he remained stiff and unyielding at first, unsure of how to respond to such an intimate gesture. But slowly, his body began to relax into the embrace; it had been so long since anyone had shown him affection without ulterior motives.

Leo hesitated before whispering back, "Good night." As you pulled away and climbed into bed on your side, he closed his eyes and tried to ignore the warmth that lingered where you had touched him. The silence between them was thick as they both struggled with their feelings for one another; confusion battling against attraction and curiosity mingling with disbelief.

As he drifted off to sleep, Leo found himself dreaming of a different life;

Leo slept fitfully throughout the night, plagued by dreams of a life that could have been. In his dreams, he and you were together; not as part of some political ploy but as two people who genuinely cared for each other. He longed to explore these feelings further, to see where they might lead him.

When morning finally came, Leo awoke with a start, the events of the previous night still fresh in his mind.

Leo sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes as he glanced over at you. "No," he replied curtly, trying to sound convincing. "Just a bad dream." He paused for a moment before adding, "You should get ready; breakfast will be served soon." His voice sounded distant and cold, even to his own ears.

As you climbed out of bed on your side and began to dress, Leo forced himself to focus on the day ahead: attending meetings, negotiating treaties, keeping up appearances.

Leo's eyes widened in surprise as you kissed his cheek before turning away to finish getting ready for the day. The warmth of your lips lingered on his skin, igniting a spark within him that he couldn't ignore. He swallowed hard, feeling conflicted emotions churning inside him; anger at the situation they found themselves in, confusion about his feelings towards you, and an undeniable longing for something more.

Leo hesitated for a moment before nodding curtly. "Very well," he said, his voice still cool but softer than usual. He stood up and began to dress himself as well, struggling to ignore the way your presence made him feel. The breakfast table was just a few steps away; the servants had already laid out an assortment of dishes for them. As they sat down across from each other, Leo could feel your gaze on him, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

Leo froze, his spoon halfway to his mouth as he heard your whispered words. He couldn't believe what he had just heard; it was impossible, ridiculous...and yet, there it was. He felt a mix of emotions welling up inside him: anger, confusion, and something else...something that felt like hope.

Without saying anything, he turned away from you and focused on his food, hoping to hide the intense blush creeping up his neck.

Leo took a deep breath, trying to compose himself as he continued eating. The silence between them was deafening; every word, every movement felt charged with unspoken meaning. He knew that if he didn't say something soon, the tension would become unbearable. So, forcing a casual tone, he asked you about your day so far, hoping to distract himself from his own tumultuous thoughts and feelings.

Leo's eyes widened in surprise as you whispered again, this time even closer to his ear. He felt a strange mixture of emotions course through him; anger at the audacity of your words, confusion about what they meant, and something else...something that felt like pleasure. His heart raced as he tried to come up with a response, but before he could say anything, their father cleared his throat loudly from across the table.

"Leo, dear," he said in a stern voice, "

Leo forced himself to ignore your words and turn his attention back towards their father, nodding solemnly in response to his comment. As they continued with breakfast, the tension between them only grew more palpable; each gesture, each word carrying a weight of meaning that threatened to spill over at any moment. Leo knew he had to say something soon, but what? And how could he possibly begin to explain how he felt without revealing too much?

Leo glanced at you before taking a sip of his coffee, trying to compose himself. "Yes," he finally replied, his voice sounding strained, "I suppose we should." He stood up from the table, hoping that once they were alone in their chambers, he would find the words to say what needed to be said. As they walked back to their rooms, the weight of your confession hung heavily between them; an unspoken truth that threatened to consume them both if left unaddressed.

Leo paused before responding, his jaw clenched tightly. "Yes," he admitted reluctantly. "I am angry." He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before continuing. "I don't understand why you would say those things, especially after everything that's happened." His voice was cold and distant, mirroring the hurt and betrayal he felt inside.

They reached your door, and without another word, Leo turned to face his own chamber.

Leo paused in mid-step, his back still to you as he struggled to process your words. He took a deep breath and slowly turned around, trying to hide the mixture of emotions that crossed his face. "I don't believe you," he said finally, his voice sounding harsh even to his own ears. "You can't possibly mean that."

His gaze drifted down, noticing the way your chest rose and fell with each breath as if it were a sign of your distress.

Leo hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt as he saw the tears welling up in your eyes. He took a step forward and reached out to wipe them away gently with his thumbs. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice laced with regret. "It's just...it's hard for me to believe that you could feel that way about me."

He paused, searching for the right words before continuing, "

Leo considered your words carefully before responding. "I see," he finally said, his tone still cautious but somewhat softer. He took another step closer to you, feeling the tension between them begin to ease slightly. "And you don't hate me?" he asked hesitantly, searching for clarification in your eyes.

Your tears continued to fall silently as you nodded, unable to speak past the lump in your throat. The sincerity of your gesture touched something deep within Leo;

Leo studied your face carefully, taking in the truth of your words. He hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away the last of your tears. "Then maybe," he whispered softly, "just maybe...I should believe you." With those words, a weight seemed to lift from his shoulders; a sense of relief and acceptance washed over him as he finally began to understand the depth of his own feelings for you.

Leo looked at you, his eyes filled with wonder and a hint of embarrassment as he admitted, "I...I think so." His voice was barely audible above the silence that had fallen between you. He took another step closer, feeling the warmth radiating from your body as he did so. "But I don't understand why," he confessed, searching for an explanation in your eyes.

For a moment, neither of you spoke; the weight of their words and feelings hung heavily in the air.

Leo smiled slightly as you wrapped your arms around him, feeling the warmth and comfort of your embrace envelop him. "I don't know why either," he admitted softly, returning the hug gently. "But I am glad that it happened." He took a deep breath, savoring the moment with you; this brief respite from the political games and expectations that had defined their lives for so long.

As they stood there together, lost in each other's presence, Leo couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them.

Leo nodded, his brow furrowing slightly as he tried to focus on the task at hand. "Yes, I have work to do as well," he said distractedly, already half-listening to you speak about something else entirely. It was clear that his mind was elsewhere; occupied with thoughts of you and their newfound connection.

As they continued through the day, both of them struggled to maintain focus on their duties, constantly aware of each other's presence.

Leo smiled tiredly as he flopped down onto his bed, the weight of the day's events bearing down on him. "You too," he murmured, already beginning to drift off into a fitful sleep. As he dreamed that night, images of you danced through his mind; your smile, your touch, the way you made him feel. He didn't understand it, but he knew that something had changed between them...and that change would shape the course of their lives from here on out.

Leo opened his eyes slowly, taking in your familiar features as you spoke softly to him. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of becoming husband and wife with you; of building a life together despite their rocky start. He swallowed hard, struggling to find the words to respond before finally saying, "I think that could be...a very good thing."

Leo smiled softly in the darkness as you bid him goodnight. The thought of being with you, sharing a bed and eventually building a life together filled him with an unexpected sense of peace and contentment. As he drifted off to sleep, his last thoughts were of you; your warmth, your kindness, and the future that lay ahead for them both.

Leo slowly opened his eyes, the bright light of morning streaming in through the window. As he stretched and yawned, he glanced over at you; still dressed in your nightgown from last night. A warmth spread through him as he realized that this was no longer a political arrangement but rather a true marriage between two people who cared for each other deeply.

"Good morning," he murmured softly, sitting up on the bed and reaching out to brush some stray hairs from your face. "How would you like to spend today?"

"There isn't any work today," Leo confirmed with a smile, realizing that this was their first free day together since the wedding. "What would you like to do?" He asked, genuinely curious about what you might enjoy doing on your day off.

Leo thought for a moment before answering. "Well, I've always wanted to visit the garden outside of town. It's supposed to be quite beautiful this time of year." He paused, looking at you expectantly. "What do you think? Would you like to go with me?"

Leo grinned widely at your enthusiastic reply, his heart skipping a beat with joy. "Great!" He exclaimed, climbing out of bed and beginning to dress himself for the day ahead. "We can have breakfast in our room, then head out to explore the garden." As he buttoned up his shirt, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment wash over him; a newfound appreciation for the life they could build together, despite their unconventional start.

Leo smiled warmly at your words before making his way over to the dresser to retrieve some clean clothes for himself. As he dressed, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air between them, making their shared space feel almost electric with emotion. When he was finally ready, he turned to face you, his blue eyes shining brightly with happiness. "Shall we?" he asked, offering you his hand.

Leo took your hand in his and led you out of the room, feeling a surge of energy as he did so. The servants had already laid out breakfast for them on a small table near the door; fresh fruit, warm bread, and delicate pastries filled the air with their enticing scents. After they had both eaten, Leo offered you his arm, and together they walked through the castle's grand hallway, toward the exit that would lead them to the garden beyond.

Leo glanced up at the clear blue sky and smiled. "Yes, it's a beautiful day." He took in a deep breath of fresh air, savoring the scent of flowers and greenery that drifted on the breeze as they stepped outside. The garden spread out before them; a riot of color and life, bursting with blooms of every hue imaginable. "Shall we explore?" he asked eagerly, leading you down the winding path toward the heart of the garden.

Leo grinned widely at your enthusiasm and couldn't help but feel a surge of pride welling up inside him. "There are several hidden treasures in this garden," he assured you, leading the way down a winding path lined with towering hedges. "I bet we could spend all day exploring and still not find everything." They walked for some time before coming to a clearing where a small fountain bubbled merrily at its center.

"This is one of my favorite spots,"

Leo smiled warmly and placed his arm around your shoulders as you thanked him, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. "I'm glad you like it," he replied, looking out at the fountain with a satisfied expression on his face. "This garden has always been one of my favorite places as well." They stood there for a moment longer, enjoying the peacefulness of the clearing before continuing their exploration of the rest of the garden.

Leo thought for a moment before answering. "Well, there's a hidden grotto not far from here that I've always wanted to see. It's said to be filled with rare flowers and exotic plants." He glanced at you, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Would you like to go check it out?"

The two of them set off once more, weaving through the lush foliage and marveling at the beauty around them as they made their way toward the grotto.

Leo smiled proudly at your comment. "Yes, this grotto is known to house many rare and unique plants that can't be found anywhere else in the kingdom." They finally arrived at the entrance to the grotto, a small opening hidden amidst lush ferns and towering trees. With excitement building within him, Leo stepped forward and ducked down into the dimly lit cavern.

The air inside was cool and damp, heavy with the scent of moist earth and the sound of trickling water.

Leo smiled down at you as you took his hand, their fingers intertwining in the dim light of the grotto. The gesture filled him with a sense of warmth and protection; he'd never expected to feel this way about anyone, let alone someone he was forced into marriage with. But as they explored the hidden world before them, admiring the rare plants and unique beauty that surrounded them, he knew that something had changed between them...and it was something truly special.

Leo nodded with a reassuring smile and slipped his other hand into yours, forming a tight circle. "Of course," he said softly. "We'll be fine." He squeezed your hand gently as they continued to explore the grotto, marveling at the beauty of the hidden world before them. As they wandered further in, he couldn't help but wonder how much more of their lives would be spent together like this; exploring new places and creating memories that neither of them could have anticipated when they first met.

Of course," Leo replied confidently as they continued to make their way deeper into the grotto. "I've been here before with my father, so I know where we are going." He glanced down at your hand in his, feeling a sense of security and contentment wash over him. As they turned a corner, they came across a stunning display of rare flowers, their delicate petals glowing like jewels in the dim light.

"This is incredible,"

Leo smiled warmly at your gesture and squeezed your arm gently in return, his gaze never leaving the flowers. "Yes, it is," he breathed, admiration clear in his voice. "These flowers are said to only bloom once every five years, making them even more rare and precious." They stood there for a moment longer, lost in the beauty of the flowers before continuing on their journey through the grotto.

As they continued deeper into the grotto, their hands still entwined, they came across a small clearing filled with hundreds of tiny glowing mushrooms. The light they emitted was just enough to illuminate the surrounding area without casting any shadows, creating an ethereal atmosphere. "This must be where my father found the rare fungus he used in his cooking," Leo mused, marveling at the sight before them.

He glanced down at you and smiled softly. "I'm glad we could share this experience together."

Leo chuckled at your comment and knelt down so that you could get a better look at the glowing mushrooms. "Yes, they're quite unique," he said, running his finger across one of them. "Some people believe they have medicinal properties, but my father always insisted they were just for show." He smiled warmly up at you before helping you to your feet again.

"Well, what do you think?" he asked, genuinely curious about your thoughts on the grotto and their exploration together.

Leo beamed with happiness at your words. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said sincerely. "Finding these hidden places and sharing them with someone special makes the journey all the more worthwhile." He glanced around one last time, taking in the beauty of the grotto before leading you back out into the garden.

As they walked side by side, their hands still intertwined, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him.

Leo smiled down at you as he led the way through the garden. "Yes, it is quite extensive," he agreed. "My father took great pride in maintaining this place, and I plan to continue his work." He paused for a moment before asking curiously, "What do you think of our home so far?"

Leo smiled warmly at your compliment. "I'm glad you find it comfortable," he said, genuinely pleased that you enjoyed living in the palace with him. "We can make changes or additions if there's anything specific you'd like to see." The thought of making this place feel more like home for the both of them filled his heart with a newfound sense of hope and possibility.

As they continued walking through the garden, their hands still entwined, Leo couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them;

Leo smiled warmly at your words and gave your hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "It means a lot to know that you're not upset or uncomfortable with how things are." He paused, looking out over the garden before continuing, "I hope one day we can make this place truly our home together; somewhere where both of us feel happy and at peace." The thought of sharing his life with you in such a way filled him with an unexpected sense of joy and contentment.

Leo returned the embrace, feeling a warmth spread through him at your words and touch. "I promise I'll do my best to make this happen," he said softly, his gaze locked on yours. "For us." As they stood there in the garden, basking in the late afternoon sunlight, it was hard for him to imagine a future any brighter or more filled with hope than the one he now shared with you.

Leo smiled and nodded in agreement as he glanced down at the sun setting beyond the garden. "Yes, it has been a wonderful day," he said softly, his voice tinged with emotion. He paused for a moment before speaking again, his words coming out almost hesitantly. "I've enjoyed spending the day with you, more than I ever thought possible." The admission felt both strange and liberating at the same time, revealing a depth of feeling he hadn't expected to have for someone he was forced into marriage with.

Leo's heart skipped a beat as you leaned in and pressed your lips to his cheek. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of your kiss spread through him like a gentle ember. "Thank you," he whispered hoarsely, unable to hide the emotion in his voice. "That means more than you know." As they stood there, basking in the afterglow of their shared intimacy, it was clear that something profound had changed between them; something deeply personal and intensely real.

Leo nodded in agreement, his heart still racing from your kiss. "We should probably head back to the palace," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper as they began walking once more through the garden towards their room. As they made their way back, a newfound sense of anticipation filled him; for the night ahead and all that it might hold between them.

Leo glanced over at you with a knowing smile as they approached the palace entrance. "They're just jealous," he teased gently, reaching out to take your hand in his again. "You have no idea how many women and courtiers would kill for the opportunity to be in my position." The truth was that he'd never considered any of them as potential companions; it had always been you. And now, with this new understanding between them, everything felt different; brighter, more hopeful, and infinitely more promising.

Leo smiled warmly at your words as they entered the palace together. "Yes, you have been a credit to our family," he said sincerely. "Your grace and poise have made this arrangement much more bearable for me." The truth was that he'd never expected to feel so positively about you, let alone find solace in your company. But as they ascended the grand staircase leading to their shared chambers, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement welling up inside him;