𝘓𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘚 𝘖𝘈𝘛𝘏- 𝘺𝘢𝘯. 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘬

𝘊𝘏𝘈𝘗𝘛𝘌𝘙 𝘖𝘕𝘌

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𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯

You stare out of the small rectangular opening of the carriage, watching the snow covered trees pass by. Occasionally you are humbled by a sharp rock being caught under the wheels, being jolted whenever the acceleration of the horses was too strong for the bumpy road. You've grown immune to the shaking though, merely focusing on taking in your surroundings for the last time in a long time. You most likely won't be returning to your homeland anytime soon. Your analysing eyes are ripped off of the snowy landscape as your father speaks.

"I've neglected to inform you who the suitors are.", his words carry a smidge bitterness, like a dip of tint in clear ice water. The man quite clearly wasn't fond of having his first and only daughter be wed off to another court. Even in your helplessness and dissatisfaction with your predicament, you could at least comprehend his actions- he didn't want you to be taken prisoner or even worse enslaved. Being wed to a wealthy and high standing man would be your only chance of still maintaining a lavish lifestyle and not be reduced to a mere commoner, roaming the streets as a dirty abandoned and forgotten heiress. You hum, a clear signal for him to continue speaking.

"We're currently making ur way to the Crown of Aragon, where you'll be meeting an extremely respected artist. I'm sure you remember the last time you've laid your eyes on his form."

Yes, yes you certainly could remember the gruesome sight that had been your last interaction with Lavinho, the artist. A truly pitiful fate he has to face, handing his one most irreplaceable tool in exchange for making the most beautiful piece of architecture the world has ever had the privilege of witnessing.

"Yeah, I recall. Truly a pitiful sight.", your eyes hold a tone of melancholy, your heart weeping for the poor soul.

"Exactly. right after you've engaged with him for a certain amount of time we'll be making our way to Eldenmoor. There's a throne heir by the name of Chris Prince who has been very..eager to be making your acquaintance.", he paused for a moment, his dark red eyes suddenly lifting their gaze from the ground and up to your face, "I don't believe for him to be and extremely plausible option- he's childish and reckless. You''ll most likely end up as a widow before a year has passed."

"Ah, I see.", childish men weren't the type of person you would exactly be looking for. The last thing you'd want to be is a trophy wife, only being ogled at and not actually listened to. Perhaps he would be able to redeem himself by proving that if the situation calls for it, he could be a mature and serious individual. Though, the rumours don't exactly give you much hope. "And the one after that?", you inquire, putting a speculative hand to your chin.

"Well, the next is by far more prestigious. Noel Noa of the Fürstentum von Nibelungen has also arranged a meeting after being sent a portrait of you.", Just as your caregiver had hoped, your beauty was in fact well known- your countless portraits and men vying for your hands proving that right. And so, your reputation aided in more high ranking and royally well known have taken the bait.

Though you weren't quite comfortable with Noa. He is known to be a ruthless and cold dictator. Even less known to be an amazing father or god forbid husband. Though, on the other hand, he has not been wed before- both of his offspring had been adopted in various conquests where he had taken pity on them, deciding that from now on he would be training them to be his perfect successor to keep the dictatorship in tact and maintain the power imbalance that reigns across Nibelungen. You could only pray to Sunemei that the colder than ice man would be even a little bit kind and welcoming to you. Though, the sparkle of faith was but as dim as an extinguishing candle, being blown away by the harsh wind of reality.

"I advise you not to be..irrational around him. No outbursts, no uncalculated moves. As long as it's not guaranteed that he will be your betrothed, you will be cautious. Do you understand me, [Name]?", even with the extremely harsh instructions, his tone seems to soften right at the end. Your father cares, he really does.

"Yes, I understand father.", you sigh, feeling a bit too much as your childhood self, being scolded after breaking a vase or not being in your chambers in a timely manner. The nostalgia almost brings a tear to your eyes. Your father won't be the same as he has been your entire life. Everyone knows that after he has been there to walk you down the aisle he'll be sent to be taken care of. How he managed to negotiate one last moment with you- one last arm in arm walk until he gives you away into your uncertain future, you don't know. You simply thank the gods below that you were given one last moment of serenity with the man that had raised you since the day you were born.

Literal days pass before your party finally arrives at their destination. Stepping outside of the carriage, you are immediately met with the baring hot sun torturing you. You're used to the unforgiving harshness of the cold, anything resembling a warm climate was uncomfortable and borderline unsettling. You shed your thick fur coat, handing it over to an attendant that had awaited your arrival, immediately rushing to your side as soon as the vehicle had seized movement. A kiss is planted on your hand as you step out, said servant guiding you down the step.

The palace in front of you is beautiful, like someone had poured everything they had into making it perfect into the minute detail. You notice distinct features such as many arches in the entrance, a widely stretched staircase leading up to the large gates. Pompous walls at least three times bigger than your height reign over the space, casting a shadow on the area. You couldn't help but admire the large towers, reaching high into the sky. Perhaps if you moved in, you'd be able to gaze at the starry nightsky.

You're ripped out of your trance of admiration as a young bubbly looking young man rushes to your side. Just a moment before almost crashing into you, he bows down deeply.

"Welcome to the Crown of Aragon your excellencies! I am Meguru Bachira, the retainer of Lavinho. May I guide you to him?"

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I love Vivi for making the cover and staying on call w me in silence while I was locked in