Thread: An Arranged Marriage (Google)

He was... enormous. Rhea felt herself tremble just looking at him. She could not stop her eyes from traveling over his chiseled form. In Freyne, the only men who walked around so bare were the slaves - here, even the women were partially naked. Never would a man of noble blood be seen in public without full, fine dress where she came from. Of course, Rhea had never seen the nude form of any man. When she had secretly watched two men sparring, shirtless, in the palace sport yard, her father had punished her severely, calling her indecent. Even now, looking upon her future husband's body, Rhea felt a tingling in her cheek, as though the flesh was still bruised from her father's stiff palm. His critique of her diction made her cringe - she had always done well with languages, having been given the simple universal education given to all noble females in her kingdom, but Cthonian was particularly difficult to pick up, and she had never seen a particular reason to try very hard. Until a few weeks ago, that is, when she had been rudely informed that she was going to become a Cthonian queen of sorts. Now, of course, Rhea desperately wished that she had put more effort into learning the rough language. Konrad was absolutely fluent in her own tongue, and it made her feel a fool. I am sorry, she said as she stood up, and she immediately gestured for her guards to obey. With no desire to offend Konrad and be mutilated in whatever horrific fashion, the men attempted to neutralize their expressions. Rhea could not blame them - they were most likely eager for the pleasantries could one call any of this 'pleasant'? to be over, so they could board the ship and return to Freyne as quickly as possible, never looking back at this strange place or the princess they had abandoned there. She herself thought she would give anything to go with them especially now, when she turned back to her husband-to-be, and became more aware of his enormity than ever. He was at least a foot taller than her. His hands were large, his muscles hard and defined. This was a man who had clearly spent his whole life training his body to be the most powerful weapon in his arsenal. The mere thought of their wedding night, a deflowering by this massive man, made a fearful shiver travel down Rhea's spine, despite the fact that it was very warm and humid on the beach... Rhea lifted her chin and looked into Konrad's eyes for the first time. To her surprise, they were a pretty shade of green, not unlike her own. She quickly looked down again. I apologize for our tardiness, her voice was a bit steadier now, An unfortunate storm delayed our arrival. I offer my sincerest regrets. If you would allow me... Rhea turned and waved, and several beautiful mares, were led from the ship. They huffed and snorted as they trod onto the unfamiliar, sandy terrain, escorted by their handlers. They were just one part of her considerable dowry. It is customary in my land for the bride to give her husband something that is precious to her... She took the reigns of a stunning silver-haired horse and stroked its cheek soothingly. Somehow, being near the animal helped to calm her own pounding, aching heart. Wren is my favorite horse, a prize mare, she looked at Konrad again, her gaze more tender than before, as she handed him the reigns, she is yours now. Her fingers brushed against his warm hand and lingered, just a moment.