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5. Hwang Minhyun | Breaking Free

https://prettywordsyouleft.tumblr.com/

Summary: Your whole life had led up to this point, marrying Prince Minhyun had been every girl's dream. Except yours.

Pairing: Hwang Minhyun x reader

Genre: Royal AU, angst, romance, fluff

Warnings: unhappiness within arranged marriage

Word count: 4416

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You stared into the mirror in front of you, wearing the finest gown you had ever put on. Lush fabric adorned with jewels and intricate embroidery floated around you and you felt exactly like a princess.

A princess.

An audible sigh left and deflated your chest, your best friend Anne coming up to your side. "What's wrong? I thought you really liked the dress!"

"I do," you started, your hands gently running over the large skirt and you admired it again in the mirror, despite the sadness within your eyes. "But I didn't want this either."

"Oh Y/N, don't be silly, isn't it every girl's dream to grow up and marry a prince?"

Not mine.

Your family had been delighted when two months ago your name had been chosen as the suitable bride for Prince Minhyun. It had been a dream come true for all those around you, after decades of loyal, endless support to the royal family, you were the first descendant to finally propel your family forward.

Any girl would be excited to get this opportunity. But you weren't.

Ever since you were born into this world, you had been prepped for this moment in time. But you had dreamed of another lifestyle, where you chose the boy you would marry, and further, it would be out of love.

This was far from that fantasy.

It wasn't that Minhyun was a bad match. From the very small amount of time you had been in his company, he seemed polite and kind. But this wasn't enough for you to build anything on before accepting marriage. Even with his handsome appearance, good credentials within education, leisure activities and socially, you were unsure if you would have even chosen him to date.

But you didn't have a choice anyway.

This thought alone darkened your mood and a single tear slipped down your perfectly made complexion at the thought of what was to come.

Today you would be married.

--

It felt as if it were a blur, the ceremony had been over two hours long, but you were sure you simply blinked and it was over, moving onto an intimate luncheon served by the King and Queen, before another reception holding further guests.

Night time had cascaded down and although you stood at the side of your new husband, you had said less than five words to him since leaving the chapel. It was exhausting, greeting guests, entertaining them, standing for so long in your heels. Although you had been allowed to change into another gown for the reception, you were still unable to feel comfortable, though you wondered if that was down to the situation and not what your body was wearing.

You had taken glances at Minhyun several times throughout the night; his smile never seemed to become jaded. You wondered how he could still appear so genuine, when you were sure everyone would be able to tell neither of you were a true couple. You felt like you were an actress in a lavish show, your smile coming out as part of the role. You stood close but not as close as lovers would, and affection was lost on you both. All the same, well wishes and "you both look like a match made from above" were constantly hitting your ears throughout the evening.