The Royal Husband (taynew fanfic)

Betrothal

In the grand study of King Alexander's castle, Tay stood before his father, his eyes flashing with defiance as he prepared to confront the news that would forever alter the course of his life.

"Father," Tay began, his voice tinged with a mixture of anger and disbelief, "this arrangement is absurd! How can you expect me to marry someone I barely know, let alone someone I despise?"

King Alexander, seated behind his imposing desk, regarded his son with a stern expression, his brows furrowed in consternation. "Tay, you must understand," he replied, his tone tinged with frustration, "this marriage is a matter of utmost importance for our kingdom. It is a union that will strengthen our alliance with King Sebastian's realm and ensure peace for generations to come."

"But at what cost, Father?" Tay retorted, his hands trembling with suppressed rage. "Am I to sacrifice my own happiness for the sake of political expediency? I cannot bear the thought of spending my life bound to someone I loathe."

King Alexander's temper flared at his son's defiance, his voice rising in anger as he slammed his fist against the table. "You will do as you are told, Tay!" he thundered, his eyes ablaze with righteous fury. "I will not tolerate such insolence from my own flesh and blood. This marriage is not negotiable."

Tay recoiled at his father's outburst, a sense of betrayal gnawing at his heart as he struggled to contain his emotions. "But what of my feelings, Father?" he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. "What of Princess Anya? I cannot forsake her for a union born of political expediency."

King Alexander's features softened, his gaze filled with a mixture of sympathy and regret. "I understand your pain, my son," he murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow. "But sometimes, duty must supersede matters of the heart. You must accept this union for the greater good of our kingdom."

Tay grappled with the weight of his father's words, a sense of resignation settled over him like a shroud. With a heavy heart, he bowed his head in acquiescence, his dreams of love and happiness fading like shadows in the dusk.

Meanwhile, in the bustling dining room of King Sebastian's castle, New's temper flared as he learned of his own betrothal from his father, King Sebastian himself.

"I will not stand for this!" New shouted, his voice echoing off the stone walls as he slammed his fist against the table. His sister Fah, her gentle demeanor a stark contrast to New's fiery temperament, placed a calming hand on his arm, her eyes pleading for him to remain composed.

"New, please," Fah implored, her voice soft but urgent, "you mustn't let your anger cloud your judgment. Think of the consequences if you defy Father's wishes."

But New's fury could not be contained, his face flushed with indignation as he turned to face his father. "How could you do this to me, Father?" he demanded, his voice trembling with emotion.

"I will not be shackled to someone I despise, forced to endure a lifetime of misery for the sake of politics."

King Sebastian, his own temper rising in response to his son's defiance, fixed New with a stern gaze. "You will do as you are told, New," he declared, his voice brooking no argument. "This marriage is for the good of our kingdom, and you will honor your duty as heir to the throne."

As the tension thickened in the air, Tay and New grappled with the weight of their impending union, their hearts heavy with resentment and despair. And amidst the turmoil of their conflicting emotions, the stage was set for a confrontation that would shape the course of their intertwined destinies.