Thread: An Arranged Marriage (Google)

Being dragged through the streets, for everyone to see, was embarrassing. Rhea was blushing brightly and avoiding every man and woman's face, instead staring at the ground, at the heels of Konrad's feet as they rushed in long strides toward the palace, which was growing closer by the minute. Each moment that passed would be one of her last as a girl. She would soon be a woman, wedded and bedded, though unfortunately not in that order. My Lord, I did not intend to imply... I simply... She was at a loss for words. His declaration of honest intent was of only small comfort to her. She did not know him. All she knew was that Konrad was an ultimate authority and enough power to scare her father into giving his only daughter to him. How could she believe him? By all rights, she should not...and yet, she rather did. There was something in his eyes, those green eyes, that made her believe that he really would keep her even after he'd deflowered her. Of course, wasn't that option just as frightening as the other? She began to think that it was not. This way of doing it, thought appalling to her, she would still have a husband to protect her, and, presumably, she would stay with him in his home. If she could please him tonight - though she had little idea of how to do that - perhaps she would even gain his favor...perhaps, they could even learn to like, or love... Knocked from her childish delusions, Rhea gaped at him. Surely he was not serious? The mere idea of a her being able to stop a man of Konrad's size and power was ludicrous. Without much effort he could break her arm, or toss her into a wall, or wrap one of those strong hands around her neck... And what could she do? She had never had reason to defend herself in Freyne the palace guards were there to protect them at all hours. She could ball her small hand into a fist and punch him with all of her might and he would most likely laugh heartily at her, not hurt at all. She was no Cthonian woman born and bred to be as strong and cunning as a man. When he ripped her gown, Rhea gasped, her arms and hands immediately moving to cover herself. She had never been more humiliated - exposed in front of her betrothed for the first time. Her skin was pale, and smooth, and her body was soft, gentle, curved in the right places, though it would take a few more years or a child for her to grow into those curves properly. With one arm she quickly covered her breasts, horrified, while her other hand went over her mound, trying to hide the bare V-shaped area from him. No longer was it covered with dark blonde hair the night prior she had been shaved by her eldest handmaiden. It was a centuries-old Freynen tradition. The idea was that nothing should separate a husband from what had now become his - and there was some outdated theory that, if kept up, it would aid in conception. Despite that being scandalously disproved years ago, the uncomfortable tradition remained one that all brides to be had to take part in. I understand, Rhea said softly. Really, she had been too distracted and terrified by her own nudity to try to translate most of what he was saying to her. The flush on her cheeks and neck felt like flames beneath her skin. She stared pleadingly at him, a few tears slipping down her cheeks. I understand, my lord, please, may I just have my dress back until we reach your chambers, she begged. I won't fight. As if she even could. Forgive me...