Arranged: Prince!Luke

Untitled Part 2

Luke pov

I paced back and forth in my old chambers, trying to rid myself of the rage that consumes me. Everything in the room has been packed up and moved to my 'marital quarters.' It's as though my old life has been completely erased. How am I to go from enjoying the affections of two ladies a night, never the same one twice, to being stuck with some boring virgin for the rest of my life? Three sharp knocks on the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I sighed, knowing it was probably just some pesky maid coming to strip the bed or sweep the floor. I was surprised when my father stepped through the door. It's not that I'm not close with my parents, I just hardly ever see them. There's always a document to be signed or a peasant to be met with when you're running a country. The thing I've always admired about them is that they do everything together. They're each other's best friend, business partner, and lover all at the same time.

"Luke," my father greets. I give him a single nod. He sits down on the bed, gesturing for me to sit next to him.

"That was quite the show you put on back there," he says, speaking of my outburst. I huff angrily, feeling the rage start to come back.

"Relax, I'm not here to chastise you, I just want to talk," I take a deep breath and he continues.

"I was only a year older than you when I married your mother. You and I were much alike. I was very accustomed to a certain lifestyle. Going to parties, drinking my fill of wine and ale, then entertaining beautiful women for the remainder of the night. But when the time came, I straightened out and married because it was best for the kingdom. That's what you must do. I know it's difficult to give up everything, but we are monarchs. We can't afford to be selfish," he finishes.

"This is completely different! Princess Emmaline and I have nothing in common. I know nothing about her except that she's a virgin!" I exclaim.

"You have each other in common. You're not the only one in this situation. Imagine what it's like for her. Not only is she marrying a strange man, but she's also been shipped off to a strange country and she's lost her family. Talk to her, give this marriage a chance," my father pleads. We talk a little more after that about the wars going on in several different countries, but he leaves soon to attend a meeting. I suppose I should go to my new chambers and change out of these clothes.

Emma pov

I awoke to the sound of drawers being slammed shut. My mind was very groggy, I wasn't sure what time it was or even where I am. The room was all dark except for a lantern set on the table opposite to me. I suddenly realized I was not alone in the room. A man was going through the dresser, evidently trying to find a shirt considering he wasn't wearing one. His back was to me, showing off his bare broad shoulders. Even in the warm candle light, his skin was pale. As my clouded mind finally became more aware, I gathered that this strange man going through the dresser is Luke. I don't know why this startled me, as this is his chamber too. Maybe it's the fact that I've woken up to the sight of his bare skin after barely saying three words to him since we've met. Or maybe it was his harsh speech from earlier making me wary. He finally finds a plain white shirt to wear. He must not know I'm awake. I decide to fake my slumber until he leaves. Shutting my eyes, I rely on my hearing to know what's going on. He shuffles his feet like he's turning around, and I can feel his gaze upon me. He said something to himself as well, probably cursing my existence. I hear a timid knock on the door, footsteps, then the sound of the door opening a closing.

"Oh, Your Majesty!" a maid's voice says. She's probably surprised he's in here.

"Is Princess Emmaline here? We were told to prepare her for tonight's celebration," another maid asks.