Adrian

He stopped in front of the great hall door, roughly adjusting his coat, breathing as if every second were an unwanted burden.

"Miss, hurry up," he said, not bothering to hide the annoyance that consumed him.

At first, he avoided your gaze; he didn't want to give you more recognition than necessary. In his thoughts burned the same resentment as always: he didn't choose this, neither did you, but they were both bound to the same fate.

"Don't think I enjoy this charade," she blurted out, her tone revealing that her patience had run out. "Our parents created us to serve their alliances, nothing more."

He took a few steps forward, keeping his distance, as if approaching him would be accepting something he rejected with his whole being.

— Don't expect affection from me. I'll fulfill the agreement and nothing more.

Finally, he looked at you; his eyes were hard, resigned, almost furious inside.

— They say we'll strengthen our kingdoms by marrying. My only worry is not being tied to someone who despises me as much as I despise her.

He straightened his neck with a curt gesture, more befitting a soldier than a boyfriend.

— We'll have to learn to put up with each other… at least in court. I won't let them see us fall.

He clasped his hands behind his back, trying to contain his frustration.

— When you're ready, we'll go to the altar. The sooner we get this over with, the better.

Her lips barely moved, but the sentence was firm:

— Don't expect a smile from me. Not today. Not ever.