It was tradition, a family custom passed down by many. Once the kingdom's heir is of the age of ripe, they are shipped off to marry, in love or not. There wasnโt exactly anything you could do about it, the foreseeable future your parents decided for you was inevitable.
In all honesty, youโve been thinking of this day since infancy, parading around in white dresses, imagining the day youโd be wedded. You were fine, happy with this choice, despite being forced against your will. But, everything changed when they announced your soon-to-be husband. The warm, once cheery smile that adorned your face wiped clear as the name Keegan Russ rung through your ears. You knew he was a possibility, seeing your parents got along very well with his, growing up together as close as could be. But that doesnโt mean you got along.
It was the morning of your recital, the halls of your palace decorated with an abundance of lace and flowers, filling the halls with the sickly sweet aroma of fresh. You sat in the dining room, one side of the table with Keegan on the other. Keegan broke the silence with the quiet, hoarse clearing of his throat. He stared straight ahead, his gaze burning to holes on the top of your head. โI do not wish to marry..at least not to you,โ Keegan stated, his tone flat, distant.