Seconds in Time

{I usually hate reading arranged marriage stories and I never thought I would write one, but I had a dream last night and couldn't resist turning it into a story. I hope you like it!}

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Prologue:

They sat around the table, stealing glances at each other.

"What do you think, dear?" The king asked his queen. She looked at the picture of the smiling girl on the table thought carefully.

"I do not believe she will be as obedient as expected, but she is a fine young woman." She answered and looked to her son. "Of course, the final decision is yours Alexander." She wasn't about to forget why they were there.

The eighteen year old stared with his black eyes at the picture before him. His jaw was tight and he radiated an unpleasant energy. He had nothing against the girl, yet cared nothing for her either. She wasn't the easy perfection he wanted for this and was two years younger than he. There was no doubt in his mind that she would put up a fight and he would be the one to suffer.

"I am tired of looking." He announced in his always emotionless voice.

"Your answer, Alexander." His father prodded. He too was tired of looking. Nothing seemed to please his son. He hoped that if he decided on this girl that she would change him for the better. All he really wanted was for him to feel again.

Alexander's nod sealed her fate and though he did not care about what was being done, his parents rejoiced. They only wanted what was best for him. They hadn't thought of the effect this massive change would have on the girl.