▪️A L A R I C▪️

Witnessing Golnar's reaction to my unforeseen announcement of our impending marriage was an unforgettable sight.

Her icy blue eyes widened, pupils dilating like a startled doe caught in the moonlight. The air seemed to pulse with the weight of the news, and a flush of heat rose to her cheeks, contrasting against her light grey skin.

"Anu's beard..." Golnar breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

She glanced up at me, her gaze searching my face for any sign of jest or deception. Instead, she found my eyes fixed on her, my expression a blend of apprehension and quiet understanding. From the various expressions that played across her face, I knew that her mind was racing.

The disbelief in her eyes was palpable, a reflection of the shockwaves my words had sent through her.

It was clear that I had misjudged the impact of my revelation. I berated myself inwardly; I should have approached this more delicately, taken the time to prepare her for such an important announcement. But the words had tumbled out of my mouth, propelled by a force beyond my control.

Golnar stood before me, her features a tableau of emotions; surprise, uncertainty, and perhaps a touch of apprehension. It was evident that the weight of what I had just disclosed was settling in, reshaping the reality she had known only moments ago.

"I didn't mean for it to come out like this," I stammered, my own sense of unease surfacing. "I should have found a better way to explain."

Her gaze remained on me, searching for answers or perhaps reassurance. I could see the questions forming in her eyes, the need for clarity and understanding. In that moment, I realized the depth of the responsibility I now bore, not only for the alliance of our kingdoms but for the woman standing before me.

Golnar's voice, when she finally spoke, held a blend of disbelief and a hint of vulnerability. "This changes everything..."

I nodded, acknowledging the enormity of what I had just revealed, "Yes, and I understand that you'll need some time to process this. It's a lot to take in."

I extended a hand to Golnar, wordlessly inviting her to step aside. The eyes of the onlookers lingered, their curiosity palpable, but I was determined to grant us a semblance of privacy, if even for a moment. She hesitated for a moment before accepting my offer, her gaze meeting mine briefly before we moved a few paces away from the others.

The air was thick with tension, the weight of our situation pressing down on us.

As we stood in the shadow of the looming castle walls, I opened my mouth to speak, but Golnar beat me to it.

"I don't understand this at all. You really expect me to just marry you, Alaric? You've killed so many of my kind!" Golnar whispered, her eyes filled with pain and accusation, fixed on me with a raw intensity.

I held her gaze, the weight of her words settling heavily on my shoulders as I replied, "I won't even try and deny the conflicts of the past. There has been pain and loss on both sides. But it's crucial to understand that I'm committed to a different future. Remember why you agreed to come with me, to forge a path of peace together."

Her expression was a whirlwind of emotions, her eyes widening slightly, "Peace, yes, marriage, no. I never agreed to marry you."

"But you are my fated mate! This is what is expected of us among my people, we are to be wed whether we like it or not. I know it won't be easy, but it's a chance to build a bridge between our worlds. Let's not be prisoners of the past, Golnar. Together, we can create something new and better."

The courtyard seemed to hold its breath, trying to listen in on our conversation.

Golnar's eyes searched mine and a glimmer of uncertainty softened her features as she admitted, "You speak of a future I never dared to imagine."

"Likewise..." I took a step closer, my hand reaching out to hold hers, "It won't be easy, but I'm willing to try, for the sake of both our peoples."

Much like before, when I held her hand, it was as if a current of electricity surged through me, a profound connection that transcended the physical realm. Our fingers wove together with a natural ease, as though they had always belonged entwined this way. Each gentle touch sent a thrill down my spine, a sense of wholeness that defied explanation. It was the realization of a destined path, an unbreakable link woven into the very essence of our beings.

Pulling her hand free, Golnar turned away briefly, her gaze fixed on the archway that framed the morning sky. The world beyond seemed to hold its breath, mirroring the stillness that settled over the courtyard.

I cleared my throat, breaking the charged silence, "Look, I know this is unexpected. But you must understand, this alliance is crucial for our kingdoms. It will ensure peace, and–"

She cut me off with a bitter laugh. "Peace, Alaric? Is that what you call it? This is a cage, a gilded prison. You've bound me to you, to this fate, and for what? Politics? Power?"

I winced at her words, the weight of my choices bearing down on me while answering, "It's not just about power, Golnar. It's about preserving our people, our lands. This marriage, it's a sacrifice for both of us, although I suspect more for you than me."

Her eyes flashed with fire, her voice low and filled with resentment as she hissed, "Don't take my compliance for acceptance. I'll do what needs to be done, but make no mistake, Alaric, I'll never forget the role you've played in all of this, the war, me leaving my friends, everything!"

I paid little heed to how she addressed me in front of those present.

Golnar was my fated mate, after all, and the only one permitted to push certain boundaries. There was a magnetic pull between us, an undeniable force that bound our souls together. It granted her a unique privilege, one that included speaking her mind, even in the presence of my subjects.

The bitterness in her tone cut through me like a blade, but I pressed on as I said, "Golnar, I never wanted this burden to fall on you. If there were another way–"

"But there isn't, is there?" she interjected, her voice edged with sorrow. "You've made your choice, Alaric. We're both bound by it now."

As Golnar's icy blue eyes rounded it was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a new facet of her. We were, after all, enemies by circumstance, and expecting her compliance was a naiveté I should never have entertained.

During the ride over, as the distance between her homeland and the castle stretched, she must have been consumed by the suddenness of having to leave her people behind. Now, that initial shock was wearing off, giving way to a raw, unfiltered reality. The proposal of marriage, weighed down by the gravity of our animosity, must have felt like an insurmountable burden.

Her normally stoic countenance was now marked by a fury that cut through the atmosphere. Her light grey skin seemed to pale, casting an otherworldly hue against the dim light. The silence hung heavy, disrupted only by the faint murmurs that whispered through the crowds in the courtyard.

I took a step forward, closing the distance between us, "I understand that this is overwhelming. I know that this won't be easy for you."

"Easy?" Golnar met my gaze, her eyes like twin glaciers, sharp and unyielding. Her voice was edged with incredulity and she continued, "This is far from merely difficult, Alaric. This is a betrayal of everything I've known. It's one thing to find out that you're fated to be with your sworn enemy, but realising that I truly have no say in how my future is shaped, it's too much."

I winced at the truth in her words, the stark reality of our situation cutting through my own defense, "Please, believe me when I say that I never wanted it to come to this. But for the sake of our kingdoms–"

"For the sake of politics and power, you mean," she interrupted once more, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Like I said, don't mistake my agreement for acceptance. I'll go through with this farce of a marriage, but I'm only doing this for my people."

Her words hung in the air, a bitter reminder of the chasm that separated us.

I reached out, my hand hovering in the air before hesitantly finding its way to her shoulder. She flinched at my touch, her gaze locking onto mine with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability.

"Golnar, I wish there was a way to undo all of this," I sighed.

She held my gaze for a moment before stating, "Words won't change what's been set in motion, Alaric. We'll play our parts, but make no mistake, I'll never be yours in anything more than name."

"Fair enough..."

With a frown, she said, "I'd like to be alone now, where will I be staying?"

"I'll have a room set up for you."

I watched her turn away, her jaw set in determination. The distance between us felt insurmountable, a chasm of regret and resentment.

Turning to glance over at the other side of the courtyard where Thyra, one of my most trusted advisors, stood. Her gaze, sharp and perceptive, met mine with a look that conveyed a deep understanding, a silent readiness to act on my word.

Thyra stood tall and unwavering, while her ebony hair fell in disciplined waves, a reflection of her no-nonsense approach. Her dark eyes held a keen intelligence and a blunt demeanour. They seemed to miss nothing, a testament to her attention to detail. Her clothing, though functional, bore a sense of purpose and precision. It was clear that Thyra valued practicality without sacrificing her professional character. Various scars and burn marks adorned several parts of her body, each one a mark of her dedication to our kingdom.

In her presence, one could not help but feel a sense of assurance. Thyra exuded capability, radiating an aura of competence that instilled confidence in those around her. Thyra was not just an advisor, but a steadfast companion of mine and we had been best friends since we were children. Her loyalty and dedication were evident in every action she took. She was a valuable asset, and I held great respect for her unwavering commitment to the throne.

When she approached, she bowed her head, "Your Majesty."

"I need you to escort Golnar into the castle," I instructed, my voice steady but laced with concern. "Ensure she is comfortable and that her needs are attended to."

Thyra nodded, a silent understanding passing between us. She was well aware of the delicate nature of the situation and the importance of making Golnar feel welcome within her new and unfamiliar environment.

"I'll see to it, My King," Thyra affirmed, her tone carrying the weight of her responsibility. "Rest assured, Lady Golnar will be in good hands."

I watched as Thyra made her way towards Golnar, approaching her with a respectful bow. They exchanged a few quiet words, and then Thyra gestured for Golnar to follow her. With Thyra at Golnar's side, I knew she would be in capable hands. As they moved towards the entrance of the castle, I could not help but feel a mix of apprehension and hope.

When Golnar was no longer in my sight, the weight of our intertwined fates settled heavily on my shoulders, and I found myself wondering if there was a chance for redemption in the midst of this tangled web of duty and desire.

It was then that Kieran approached me with a furrowed brow, "Well, you fucked that up! Could you have been any less romantic with that wedding proposal of yours?"

"Not now, Kieran..."

"What do you mean not now? Alaric, it's clear that Golnar was quite upset. I would be too if that was me, I thought you said you'd give her a few days before bringing up the marriage?"

Inwardly groaning, "I don't know, my mouth moved faster than I intended."

"Wait, you actually like her, don't you? I mean, beyond just the mate bond. You like her as a person," he observed, surprise evident in his voice.

Grumbling, I retorted, "I can't hide anything from those big eyes of yours, can I?"

"Nope, that's why I'm your second in command! Now, stop trying to change the subject, how do you intend to win her over?"

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration and determination warring within me as I replied, "Honestly? I don't know... I know this is a lot to ask of her. We were enemies just yesterday. But for the sake of our kingdoms, she must see the necessity of this marriage."

He studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly, "It won't be easy, cousin. But if anyone can navigate these treacherous waters, it's you."

I appreciated his vote of confidence, even if doubts still gnawed at me. "I'll do everything in my power to make this transition as smooth as possible for Golnar."

Kieran clapped a reassuring hand on my shoulder and said, "Remember, she's not just a political pawn. She's a person with feelings and fears. Treat her with respect and patience, and she may surprise us all."

I paused, the weight of my recent actions settling heavily on my conscience. "I understand why she might not trust me, especially with all the attacks ordered on the orcs over these last few months. I mean shit, we were just at war! It's a wound that runs deep, and I must find a way to mend it."

Kieran's gaze held a mixture of sympathy and encouragement, "Actions speak louder than words, Alaric. Show her the real you and through your deeds, you can show her that you're committed to a new path, one of unity and peace."

His advice struck a chord, a beacon of hope in the midst of my own doubts. With a nod, I said, "You're right, I'll do everything in my power to earn her trust."

With a final reassuring squeeze of my shoulder, Kieran offered a nod of approval, "That's all we can ask of you, Alaric. Now, let's work towards a future where both our peoples can thrive. Speaking of our people, how are you planning to handle Cedric?"

I glanced at my second in command, gratitude welling up within me for his unwavering support. "Thank you, cousin. Your counsel means more to me than words can ever express. And as for Cedric..." I paused, my thoughts turning to my older brother, a man of unwavering convictions. "I know he won't be pleased with my decision," I admitted, a heaviness settling in my chest. "He's always been more inclined towards the use of violence to solve everything. But I'll have to find a way to make him understand that this path is for the greater good of our people."

Kieran's gaze remained steady, his expression a blend of understanding and concern, "It won't be an easy conversation. But your vision for peace has always been a noble one, and it's a cause worth fighting for within our own ranks. With Golnar being your fated mate, I think it will be easier to get everyone on board."

I nodded and replied, "Don't worry, I'll find a way to make Cedric and the others see the potential for a brighter future, without spilling blood."

"Either way, I'll be at your side, no matter what," Kieran swore.

As we proceeded further into the castle, the burden of my obligations pressed heavily on me. Facing my elder brother's inevitable anger was the last thing I wanted, yet I knew there was no avoiding it.

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A/N: 👀