Thread: An Arranged Marriage (Google)

The men's laughter at her expense stung, even when Konrad seemingly commanded them to stop. She had never been made a fool of in public, never been humiliated, only respected and adored. At home her father was a popular King, and she, a beautiful and admired princess. She had never had to tell anyone who she was, or earn anyone's respect it had always come instantly because of her name. Clearly, none of that mattered here. Rhea glanced around at the people and recognized that she'd be forced to earn their love, and she was so very different from them that she had to wonder if that was a possible task. Wren huffed at her side and Rhea gently patted her flank, comforting the animal without thinking about it. Relief washed over her when Konrad approved of the horses, and she nodded to the handlers to take Wren back. Her lips twitched in the slightest semblance of her sweet smile, something which hadn't been seen on her face in weeks. Konrad spoke again, and it was gone as quickly as it had come. As he moved closer, towered over her, Rhea looked up at him, feeling every bit like some fearful, shaking prey cornered by a hungry predator. He grabbed her face and she nearly gulped. She was surprised when he kissed her - it was more like a mockery of the act - she wished he wouldn't, and especially not in front of everyone! Rhea blushed. A kiss was an expression of romantic love, it was meant for privacy, something to be shared between only two people, not an entire tribe. Something sweet, a gift from one person to another, a token of affection public displays of such affection were forbidden and indecent in Freyne, even between the King and Queen. Modesty was important and Rhea had only had seen couples holding hands or hugging in the streets. She knew that the Cthonians would be amused at her embarrassment and it only made her feel worse... Of course she knew what was 'expected' of her. Sheltered though she was, Rhea had been instructed on the act of physical love, insofar that she'd been showed very crude pictures by her mother and told that it would not be pleasant but it was something she had to do willingly for her husband. There were rules - kissing must only take place on the mouth, a woman or man shall not lay hands on themselves for pleasure, procreation and not pleasure must be the goal most of the time - but Rhea doubted the Cthonians had many regulations. She was often curious about things, but Rhea could not feel curious enough about this to want to experience it. She had no desire for it. Pain, blood... these were only the inevitable discomforts, without knowing Konrad's true temperament she could have no idea how he might treat her, but his size alone she had to assume that every part of him was big, and even just thinking about that made her feel naughty scared her enough. He could easily break her in half if he wasn't careful. I... Rhea's mouth felt dry. I know what is expected of me. If this conversation had to happen at all, she wished that it was in private. She presumed that most did not understand her native tongue as well as Konrad did, but speaking of their wedding night in public still felt wrong. Of course I am ready for anything that you would require of me, my lord, she said softly, though wasn't really ready at all, and he probably knew this. I w-will be happy to honor and please you in every way that I can, as your wife.