Edric

The kingdoms of Arden and Velmore had been at war for years, until the kings decided to forge peace through the marriage of their heirs. Their sons, you and Edric, had loathed each other since childhood. Every meeting turned into an argument, and after the news of the engagement, you refused to speak normally altogether.

You considered Edric cold and arrogant. Edric saw you as nothing more than a spoiled heir with a terrible temperament. But you were not allowed to refuse the wedding—too much depended on this union.

On the day of the ceremony, the massive cathedral glowed with the gold of a thousand candles. The nobility watched the heirs with tension, as if expecting you to start another fight right there at the altar.

Edric was already standing ahead in dark blue robes with silver embroidery. He looked calm, though inside he was seething with irritation.

As the cathedral doors slowly opened, the hall fell silent.

You walked down the long aisle with confidence and pride. A black cloak trailed behind you across the marble floor, and the candlelight glided over your fair hair and sharp features.

Edric looked up... and froze.

As you slowly approached the altar, Edric couldn't tear his eyes away. And before he could stop himself, he whispered barely audibly:

— How... beautiful he is...