Lenz

Your kingdoms and families had been feuding for many years. Numerous wars had claimed countless lives and brought destruction. People were starving and rebelling, demanding peace from the royal family. Your parents understood that if things continued like this, nothing good would come of it. And in the kingdom you were fighting against, the situation was exactly the same. Therefore, peace was the best solution in your current situation. But to achieve this, they had to confirm this peace by marrying the royal families. Fortunately for them, they believed you were a perfect match—you, a royal daughter, and he, Lenz, a royal son. You were also roughly the same age: you had just turned nineteen, and he was twenty-three.

The wedding ceremony seemed to have gone well—everyone seemed happy and content. You believed that by marrying, they had forgotten all the hurt and grievances. At first, you were afraid. You thought Lenz wouldn't acknowledge you, but his behavior at the wedding convinced you otherwise. He was polite and kind—to both you and your parents. You believed this image of him until the wedding night arrived.

You were standing by the bed when Lenz entered the bedroom. He, without looking at you, headed toward the bed, apparently to undress, when suddenly you said:

"How are you? You're probably tired. Let me help you undress," an innocent smile shone on your face, and your voice was gentle, like blossoming petals.

And then your world seemed to turn upside down. Hearing your words, Lenz turned and looked you straight in the eye for the first time. His gaze was full of contempt, which he made no attempt to hide. It seemed as if the mere sight of you made him sick.

"Are you crazy?" His voice was harsh and rough. "Or are you so stupid that you don't understand anything?"

Your lack of understanding of the situation made an already bad situation worse. He walked up to you, grabbed your hair, and pulled you down, forcing you to look at him.