stubborn heart || capitano

one

"Just give me someone who won't cause any trouble or annoy me."

Capitano didn't understand the point of this meeting, nor did he understand why he needed a wife either. It was all meaningless.

"Not interested in the feisty ones, Capitano?"

The captain shifted his focus to Pantalone before looking at Pierro, "I am simply uninterested. But if this must happen, then I would prefer it to be someone who won't get in my way nor expect anything from me."

"That will be difficult. Do you realize how hard it'll be to find a young maiden like that? Most high society women I know always expect someone."

"Someone from the middle or lower class will be fine."

Arlecchino finally spoke up, her eyes looking to the captain with an unknown scrutiny within her eyes, "I do know of someone... She's one of the children of the House of the Hearth."

"Oh, great idea! Let him marry a child."

Arlecchino glared at the doctor, "for your information she is not a child, when I say she is one of the heath's children, I am merely stating she was raised there. She is a young woman. Independent. Keeps to herself. She isn't picky nor does she want anything for herself. Incredibly modest to a fault and very quiet. She isn't strong and works more as a maid in the House of the Hearth than as anything else, but she understands what the fatui does and will not get in your way for any reason."

She crossed her arms over her chest, "though, I will warn you, if you end up marrying her, I will not tolerate any harm that you may give her. I do not care how strong you are compared to me. Hurt her, and you will die."

"Well, Capitano," the jester spoke.

The captain looked to Arlecchino. Marrying a highborn lady would be far too much trouble.

"Alright."

"Would you like to meet her?"

"That is not necessary."

Y/n, all the while, rung her hands nervously. Her fingers incessantly playing with the ends up her sleeves. When Father had left for the harbinger meeting, she thought it would be like any other, but when Father had come back, she was immediately informed that she were to marry another harbinger. She doesn't remember what happened after that because she ended up fainting right then and there as she was sweeping the floor. And what is worse is that Father had actually brought the said harbinger to where y/n was cleaning which means he saw her freeze up and faint. From start to finish.

But she couldn't help it!

In Snezhnaya, the harbingers are revered. They were powerful. Strong. Scary even. How was a normal person supposed to react when told they were going to marry a harbinger anyway?!

"You're awake."

The moment her eyes cracked open Lord Arlecchino (Father) was already sitting next to her bedside waiting for her.

"Father!"

Arlecchino stopped her from sitting up too quickly.

"Lay down. There is no rush."

Y/n laid back down, her eyes darting to the door and then back to Arlecchino. It was faint, but she could definitely sense someone waiting just outside.

"Uhm... what you said before...," y/n managed to mumble out.

"Yes...," Arlecchino said, "the marriage with a harbinger."

"Why me?"

"Because your life isn't here."

"But I like it here-"

"There is more for you elsewhere. Knowing you, you will never ask for anything more unlike my other children."

Y/n let Arlecchino's words sink in and ultimately decided not to fuss about it, "I- I understand... who is it? The harbinger I am going to marry, I mean."

Arlecchino looked to the door which was when Il Capitano walked in. His mere presence alone was enough to cause you to shake within the safety of the bedsheets, Her hands unconsciously pulling the covers closer as if trying to shield herself from a monster under her bed.

"H- hello, Lord Capitano."

She hated how she stuttered over her own words, but she decided not to dwell on it. I mean, she did faint in front of him for a first impression, so a little stutter wasn't going to kill her.

"She will do."

Annnnd y/n fainted again.