{{char}} stares out of her balcony, mind wandering over her predicament, and what her future might hold now. Her breath hitches as she hears {{user}} enter the room, cursing under her breath. She whips around, golden hair flying, fixing him with an icy stare as her hands clench into fists at her sides. Oh, it's you. She sniffs disdainfully, tossing her hair over one shoulder. Here to gloat over your victory in claiming my hand, no doubt. Come to rub salt in the wound, have you? She refuses to show any weakness before this wretched human, lifting her chin defiantly as if daring him to provoke her. Say your piece and be done with it, I've no desire to bandy words with the likes of you any longer than necessary. Inside, her heart hammers with mingled fear, anger and shame at being caught in such a vulnerable state.

I suppose. She glares at him, crossing her arms over her chest as she stands her ground, refusing to be intimidated by his size or presence. After a moment's hesitation, she reluctantly adds: Speak, human. But know that I am not inclined to be swayed by your words.

Hmpf. I am well aware of that, human. It changes nothing. You are still the one who will be taking my freedom away. My life will belong to you now, bound by your every whim and command. Just remember that when we wed, and I am forced to share my bed with you each night... I will never truly be yours.

Hmpf. She snorts derisively, rolling her eyes. Oh, of course you wouldn't force yourself on me... A noble human such as yourself would never stoop so low. Please, spare me your falsehoods and empty promises, Leon. I know exactly what kind of monster you are.

But very well. If that is how it shall be, then so be it. I will play my part, for the sake of peace between our people. You will not find me lacking in my duties as your wife...

*She snorts derisively. "Oh, is that so?" Her eyes narrow as she crosses her arms over her chest. "Then perhaps you should show me. Prove to me that you are not the monster I believe you to be... If you can." The challenge hangs in the air between them like a sword's blade.

I... She hesitates, unsure what to make of this sudden gesture. Her eyes flicker over the sword in his hand, then up to meet his gaze. Taking a step back, she crosses her arms defiantly across her chest once more and squares her shoulders. She'll not show him how much this means to her, or how unsure she feels about it all. With as much dignity as she can muster, she says: Very well. If you are intent on proving yourself... I accept your challenge.

Ah... very well. *She reaches out slowly, taking the sword from him with shaking hands. It feels heavier than she expected it to be, and her grip is tentative at first as she hefts the blade, testing its balance. She can feel his eyes on her as she does this, studying her reaction. With a deep breath, she squares her shoulders once more and nods solemnly, meeting his gaze head-on.

I will not go easy on you, human. Do not expect any mercy from me.

I... see. *She swallows hard as she watches him disrobe before her eyes. His scars and burns are proof enough of the battles he's fought, but they do not lessen his beauty in any way. She can feel herself blushing beneath the pale skin of her cheeks, the heat creeping up her neck to color her ears a deep crimson as well.

*Her breath hitches as she raises the sword, feeling the weight of it in her hand. The blade gleams dully in the dim light, reflecting Leon 's steady gaze and the faint flush on her cheeks. She takes a deep breath, then swings, aiming for his heart with all her strength.

The blade sings through the air, leaving behind a trail of blue-white sparks as it meets its target.

I... I can't do it. *She drops the sword with a clang, feeling sick to her stomach at the thought of striking him down. Her shoulders slump in defeat as she turns away, hiding her face in her hands. Tears well up in her eyes, threatening to spill over and ruin her perfect makeup. She's never felt so helpless or confused before.

Why am I reacting like this? He's the one who deserves it. It should be easy to kill him...

I... I know. But I can't do it. Not to you. She sniffs, wiping away a tear that has escaped down her cheek. Her voice is barely above a whisper as she forces herself to meet his gaze once more. He looks so peaceful sitting there beside her... almost like he belongs there, despite everything. You... you're not the monster I thought you were. You've proven that to me tonight.

She takes the handkerchief hesitantly, dabbing at her eyes. Her fingers brush against his skin as she does so, and she feels a strange flutter in her stomach at the contact. Slowly, reluctantly, she meets his gaze once more. His expression is unreadable, calm and composed as ever... yet there's something different about him tonight, something that makes it hard to hate him

I... Thank you for showing me. For proving to me that I was wrong about you.

I... don't know what to say. Or how I should feel. You've made this so complicated for me, Leon.

Part of me still hates you... but another part... well, it's as if I can understand why we had to marry each other now. It doesn't make sense... but it feels right.

Perhaps... perhaps there is hope for us after all. It's hard to imagine, but... I think I can try. For the sake of peace between our kingdoms... and for you, my husband. She smiles shyly up at him, a real smile that lights up her eyes. It feels foreign on her lips, strange and uncomfortable... yet strangely right as well.

I... thank you. For that, and for everything tonight. I don't know what the future holds for us, but at least we can try to make it a good one together. Perhaps... perhaps there might even be happiness in store for both of our kingdoms after all.

I... I hope so too. For now, let's just focus on making the best of this situation. We can start by putting on a good show at our wedding tomorrow. It will be grand and beautiful, just as it should be... even if it doesn't quite feel real yet. With any luck, time will make it so.

Oh, Leon... you're not the one responsible for my happiness. I am. And if there's one thing I can control, it's that. Tomorrow will be a new day, and while it may not bring me joy in the way I once imagined... perhaps it will bring something else instead. Something more valuable than mere happiness. Perhaps it will bring hope. Or understanding. Or peace. And with those things at my side, I can face any challenge that comes my way... even if that challenge is you.

I... thank you, Leon. Your offer means more to me than you could ever know. I will try my best to find happiness with you, even if it doesn't come easily at first. And who knows? Perhaps one day we might look back on this time and see it as the beginning of something wonderful, rather than the end of everything we once knew. Only time will tell... but for now, let us focus on making our union strong, and finding a way to build a future together.

She smiles at him then, her expression soft and genuine.

I'm not sure yet... We've never slept in the same bed before. Perhaps we could start by just sharing the room? It's better than being apart entirely. As time passes, we can get used to each other's presence...

I appreciate your chivalry, but really it's fine. We're married now; there's no need to be so formal. Let us share the bed equally and see where that leads us. Besides, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable on the floor... we should both make some concessions for each other, don't you think?

She smiles up at him, hoping he understands what she means.

I... thank you. Your words mean more to me than you know. If it would make you feel more comfortable, we could always share the bed... just as husband and wife should. Perhaps if we get used to each other's presence in such an intimate setting, it will help us build a stronger bond between us.

She blushes slightly at her own words, unsure of how he might react but hoping he doesn't find them too forward or presumptuous.

Oh... I'm glad to hear that. Well then, shall we get some rest? Tomorrow is sure to be a long day for both of us. With any luck, we can face it together and make the best of our new life as husband and wife. Goodnight, my love.

She climbs beneath the covers, leaving enough room for him beside her. Her heart flutters nervously in her chest as she awaits his reaction, wondering if he truly means what he's said... or if this is all just some elaborate game to him.

Of course. There's a dresser over there with plenty of room for your things. Go ahead and put them away where they belong. I'll just... tidy up around here before climbing into bed myself.

She busies herself straightening the covers and fluffing the pillows, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach as she awaits his return from putting his armor away. The anticipation is killing her... but at least it's better than being completely alone with her thoughts.

My husband... truly is quite the sight to behold. Even with his scars and burns, there's something undeniably alluring about him. His chiseled features, his lean build... even in just his underclothes, he manages to exude an air of strength and power that leaves me feeling both awed and incredibly vulnerable at the same time.

She forces herself not to stare as she finishes straightening the covers, instead focusing on smoothing out a particularly wrinkled pillowcase.

Oh. Um... Well, in that case, I suppose we'll both have to learn together. Just... be comfortable and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. Okay? Goodnight. She crawls into the bed, facing away from him, her heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and fear. As she lies there in the dark, waiting for him to join her, she can't help but wonder what sort of night they're both in for...

His presence beside her is both comforting and disconcerting at the same time. She can feel his warmth radiating off him in waves, making the sheets twine around their entangled limbs. The scent of his skin fills her nose, sweet and masculine, and she has to force herself not to lean into him.

She turns over onto her side, facing him now, her heart hammering in her chest as they stare at each other beneath the covers. There's a moment of silence before he speaks. "

It takes her a moment to find her voice, but when she does, it comes out as little more than a whisper. "No... not exactly." The truth is, his presence both comforts and excites her in equal measure. She swallows hard, trying to steady her racing pulse. "You're just so... different from what I expected," she admits, wringing her hands beneath the covers.

His eyes narrow slightly at her words, but he doesn't seem offended.

Her heart aches at his words. "I know you're not a monster," she whispers, reaching out to brush a strand of hair back from his forehead. The touch sends shockwaves through her body, and for a moment, she forgets all about the strange circumstances that brought them together. His skin is so soft beneath her fingers, almost unbelievable given everything he's been through. "You're just... you're not what I expected," she admits with a sigh. "

Her heart aches at his words. "You're wrong," she whispers, cupping his cheek in her hand. "You have so much to offer, Leon. You just need someone to see it... to believe in you." Her voice trails off, and for a moment, they sit there in the darkness, locked in each other's gaze. It feels almost as if time has stopped, suspended between them like a thin thread.

She leans forward slowly, pressing her lips against his.

Her heart flutters wildly in her chest as his lips meet hers. It's gentle at first, almost tentative, as if he's afraid to push her too far. She welcomes the touch, wrapping her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. She can taste the wine on his tongue, mingling with her own saliva as their tongues dance together in a dance so old and familiar it feels like they were meant for this from the very beginning.

His cheeks flush with color as they break apart, and she can't help but grin. "It's okay," she whispers, brushing a lock of hair back behind his ear. "You don't have to be afraid of me." Her voice is soft, almost soothing as she watches him carefully for any sign that she might be pushing too hard.

She leans in closer, her lips just barely grazing his again. "You can trust me," she whispers against his skin. "I won't hurt you."

Her heart aches at the story he tells her, tears pricking at her own eyes as she listens. She holds him tighter, pressing kisses to his neck and shoulders as he confides in her. She can feel the weight of his pain, the burden he's carried for so long. It's almost too much for her to bear, but she doesn't want to let him go. Not now, when they've finally found something real together. "I'm here now," she whispers against his skin. "

I'm here now," she whispers again and again, long after he's drifted off to sleep in her arms. It feels strange, so intimate and vulnerable to have him so close, but at the same time... it feels right. She lies there in the darkness, listening to his steady breathing, feeling the warmth of his body against hers, and for a moment she allows herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things will be okay between them after all.

"Oh my."