One Year Together||Malleus x Idia

I. An Unwanted Arrangement

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"I can't do it, Ortho! I just can't!" Idia shouted, cowering underneath his blanket. The younger boy stared at his brother in dismay. He looked so terrified. He wished he could help him, but there was nothing that could be done.

Idia was part of the Shroud family, a wealthy governmental corporation that runs a private blot research organization called S.T.Y.X. Like most nepotistic people, the Shrouds believed in the ancient tradition of 'rich people marrying other rich people to retain status', so naturally, they jumped at the opportunity of having their eldest son marry the future king of the Briar Valley, even if it was against their son's wishes.

"Come on, Idia. Malleus is a very nice person," Ortho chided. "I'm sure you'd like him if you'd just meet him."

Idia momentarily arose from his covers to look at his brother like he was insane. "Person?" Idia asked rhetorically. "Malleus Draconia is a dragon! A huge, terrifying, final boss status dragon!"

"He has a human form, so I've heard," Ortho added, as if that would make him feel any batter.

A knock on the door disrupted Idia from his grieving.

"Young master Idia? Are you in there?" a female voice called. It was Lydia, one of the housemaids. "Your mother asked me to come get you. It's time for you to depart to the Briar Valley."

Idia's body physically recoiled. Ortho pat his brother on the back. "It's okay Idia," He cooed. "The king of the Briar Valley signed a peace treaty with all the human counties years ago. Malleus won't hurt you."

That didn't make Idia feel much better. After some pleading looks from his brother, Idia eventually sighed in defeat, getting out of bed to grab his things. It was just a an arranged meeting after all. It's not like anything was set in stone yet. He still had lots of time to show Malleus what a lousy husband he'd make.

After he was finished grabbing his things, Idia headed downstairs where he was greeted by his mother, Cora Shroud. She crossed her arms, scowling in disapproval upon seeing her social-disaster of a son.

"Really? You're wearing that?" She hissed. Idia looked down at his outfit. It was just regular, everyday clothing. No anime prints, no video game logos, just a dark blue hoodie and some jeans that he found lying around. He didn't understand what his mother was complaining about.

"You're meeting with the future king of the Briar Valley dressed like a commoner?" Cora asked, exasperated.

Idia narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "Ah yes, because I'm sure he doesn't see those everyday." I mean honestly, did she want him to dress like he was from the 1900s? Or maybe she wanted him to wear a chiton and gladiator boots. Really make his Greek ancestors proud.

Cora glared at the boy. "You could've at least tried to look decent," she nagged. "This isn't one of your little online friends. Malleus Draconia is a prince. I'm sure he won't appreciate his future husband looking like a common pauper."

Idia rolled his eyes.

Just then, another servant walked inside the living room. "My lady, the flying carriage is ready," he announced, bowing to Idia's mother. Cora gave him a pleased smile and waved a simple "very well" before walking outside, Idia following closely behind.

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