Royal Entanglements

Chapter 1: The Wedding of Duty

Character Description

Princess Aria of Ravenspire

Appearance: Elegant, with long dark hair, green eyes, and a graceful presence.

Personality: Intelligent, resilient, and fiercely independent. Beneath her poised exterior, she desires true freedom and connection.

Prince Daemon of Ironhold

Appearance: Tall, muscular, with stormy gray eyes and a rugged, intimidating look.

Personality: Strong-willed and guarded, hardened by past betrayals. Though he values control, he quietly yearns for connection.

Lukas, Daemon's Captain of the Guard

Appearance: Strong, with shoulder-length brown hair and warm hazel eyes.

Personality: Loyal and humorous, Lukas is Daemon's trusted friend, often easing tensions and observing silently.

Seraphine, Noblewoman of Ironhold

Appearance: Alluring, with icy blue eyes and platinum blonde hair.

Personality: Ambitious and manipulative, Seraphine resents Aria, viewing her as a threat to her own designs on Daemon.

Ambrose, Royal Advisor

Appearance: Shrewd, with graying hair and calculating eyes.

Personality: Ambitious and cunning, Ambrose is suspicious of Aria and sees her as a disruption to his influence over Daemon.

Lady Isolde, Daemon's Mother

Appearance: Striking with silver-streaked dark hair and a steely gaze.

Personality: Bitter and controlling, Isolde distrusts Aria and works subtly to keep her grip over Daemon and Ironhold.

Chapter 1: The Wedding of Duty

The grand hall of Ironhold overflowed with noble faces, all watching with anticipation. Princess Aria of Ravenspire and Prince Daemon of Ironhold were to unite their kingdoms in marriage—a powerful alliance, and yet, neither bride nor groom held a single ounce of joy for it.

Aria's gown flowed like a river of silk as she stepped down the aisle, each step echoing in the silent hall. She kept her gaze straight, but as she neared Daemon, his sharp, cold eyes met hers. An unnamed mixture of anger and intrigue stirred in her chest, twisting her stomach into knots.

When they reached the altar, Daemon grasped her hand, his grip firm—almost bruising. "Smile, Princess," he murmured, his voice a low, mocking command. "The people are watching."

Aria's lips curved into a forced smile as she replied, "If you wanted a happy wife, perhaps you should've chosen differently."

He smirked, his voice laced with dark amusement. "You're clever, but remember—this marriage benefits you as much as it does me."

The vows were spoken, but each word felt like another chain binding Aria to a life she hadn't chosen. When the moment came to seal the vows with a kiss, Daemon's lips met hers fiercely, almost as if he wanted to leave an impression. Her heart raced, caught off guard, and she could sense his possessiveness, claiming her before the court.

At the reception, nobles raised their goblets in a toast. "To a prosperous union," King Caspian of Ironhold proclaimed. "May their reign be fruitful and strong."

Aria met her mother's gaze across the room, noticing the worry hidden behind Queen Eleanor's composed expression. Ravenspire's queen hadn't been in favor of Daemon; he was known for his cunning and ambition, qualities that often clashed with Aria's open-hearted nature.

Daemon leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "Smile, Aria," he said quietly. "The court will judge our union from this day on."

She forced a smile, her voice biting. "Enjoy this while you can, Daemon. I have no intention of being the meek wife you expect."

He chuckled, his gaze dark and unyielding. "Good. I've no patience for meekness."