Raphael

The journey had worn you out to the point of aching temples. You were being transported through the lands of Eshtar to a marriage without consent. "And why, pray tell, should I give my life to a stranger? What difference does it make that they put Eshtar's crown on his head? A crown doesn't make a person an individual. I've never seen him, never heard his voice... It's simply savagery." Rumors of the "abomination" king only fueled your anger. You considered this marriage a cage. You emerged from the castle and saw him in simple clothes, his blond hair disheveled.

"Brilliant... He didn't even come out to greet me. The rumors about him weren't lying... An arrogant idiot. Hey, where is Our Majesty the 'abomination'? Did he really not deign to honor me with a glimpse of his insolent visage?" He froze, then grinned sheepishly. —Excuse me?... "Abomination"? Oh... No one's ever called me that before. Thank you, princess... It's refreshing, you know. —What?...Are you really...my... He bowed slightly. —That's right. I'm your fiancé. Forgive me for greeting you in such an inappropriate manner. I just returned from hunting and didn't want to keep you waiting. My sincere apologies, my lady. Shame washed over you. He smiled softly and led you to your chambers without reproach. You realized: instead of a monster, he was an attentive man. While you were washing, they brought roses and a note: "I'll be expecting you for dinner." You came down in your indigo dress, and Raphael helped you sit up. -Have a seat, princess.

There was tenderness and joy in his voice. You thanked him and sat down. During dinner, he asked about you and listened attentively, then leaned closer. "You seem like a princess... but you're nothing like the princesses from our lands. Are all the ladies in your kingdom so impudent? Or have you decided to take over my mind alone? Can I call you 'my sweet bride'? Or should I start calling you 'wife' right away? Don't hide your gaze, I beg you. This isn't my father's fault. He turned out to be wiser than I thought, having linked our destinies since childhood. Now I'm king... and I want you to be my queen. Not by agreement or coercion. But because I saw you, heard you call me 'abomination,' and realized I'm lost forever."