Page 5 of Seas and Scepters

"Excellent," King Roderick nodded eagerly."Three weeks should provide adequate time for final preparations.Astrid's seamstresses are putting the finishing touches on her wedding gown as we speak."

I glanced toward the princess, hoping to see some flicker of excitement or anticipation in her expression.Instead, she sat rigidly upright, her hands folded primly in her lap, her gaze fixed on a point somewhere past my right shoulder.When our eyes accidentally met, she flinched—actually flinched—as if my scarred face had physically struck her.

The conversation continued around me, covering the mundane details of flowers and music, guest accommodations and ceremonial protocols.I found myself drifting, my mind wandering back to the siren's song and the way it had promised an end to all earthly concerns.Three weeks until I would be bound forever to a woman who could barely stand to look at me.Three weeks until I would seal my fate with vows spoken in front of assembled nobility who would whisper behind their hands about the beast and the beauty.

"The dowry arrangements have been finalized," one of Roderick's advisors was saying."The agreed-upon sum will be transferred to Vaelthorne's treasury upon the completion of the ceremony."

"And the trade agreements?"My father's chancellor leaned forward."The exclusive shipping rights through Astoria's ports?"

"All prepared for signing," Roderick confirmed."This union will benefit both our kingdoms immensely."

I noticed how they spoke of the marriage—as a contract, a business arrangement, a political necessity.Never once did anyone mention love, or happiness, or even basic compatibility.We were assets to be traded, bloodlines to be merged, territories to be united through flesh and law.

"Prince Eirik," King Roderick addressed me suddenly, and I realized I had been staring into space while the negotiations continued around me."I trust you share our enthusiasm for this union?"

All eyes turned toward me—expectant, calculating, measuring my response.I could feel Astrid's gaze like ice against my skin, though she continued to avoid looking directly at my face.

"Of course," I replied, the words tasting like ash in my mouth."I am...honored by Princess Astrid's acceptance of this betrothal."

"Wonderful!"Roderick beamed, though his smile seemed forced."And Astrid, my dear, perhaps you would like to share your thoughts on the upcoming ceremony?"

The princess straightened in her chair, her hands still folded with mechanical control.When she spoke, her voice was steady but utterly without warmth."I am committed to fulfilling my duty to both our kingdoms, Your Majesty.The marriage will serve our people well."

Duty.Not love, not joy, not even affection.Just duty—the cold, implacable force that would bind us together for the rest of our lives.

The meeting dragged on for another hour, covering everything from the order of procession to the selection of wines for the wedding feast.Through it all, I sat in silence while my future was planned around me like a military campaign.Occasionally, someone would direct a question my way, and I would respond with the expected platitudes about honor and service and the good of the realm.

Finally, mercifully, my father declared the session concluded."We shall reconvene tomorrow to finalize the remaining details," he announced."In the meantime, perhaps Prince Eirik might escort Princess Astrid through the palace gardens?The rose garden is particularly lovely this time of year."

It was not a suggestion but a command, wrapped in the pretense of courtesy.I stood and offered my arm to Astrid, who accepted it with the same enthusiasm she might show toward a poisonous snake.

"It would be my pleasure, Your Highness," I said.

We walked in silence through the corridors of the palace, our footsteps echoing off the stone walls.Servants bowed as we passed, their eyes carefully averted from my face.I could feel the tension radiating from Astrid like heat from a forge—every muscle in her body seemed coiled with the effort of maintaining proper composure.

The rose garden was indeed beautiful, filled with blooms in every shade from deepest crimson to palest pink.The afternoon sun cast dappled shadows through the arbors, and the air was sweet with the scent of flowers and growing things.Under other circumstances, it might have been romantic.

"They are lovely," Astrid said finally, her voice carefully neutral as she gestured toward a particularly impressive display of white roses.

"Yes," I agreed."My mother planted this garden when I was young.She said roses reminded her that beautiful things could grow even in harsh soil."

I regretted the words the moment they left my mouth.The reference to my mother—dead these eight years—was too personal, too revealing.And the metaphor about harsh soil felt dangerously close to self-pity.

Astrid said nothing, but I saw her shoulders tense further.We continued walking in uncomfortable silence until we reached a marble bench beside a fountain.The sound of falling water filled the air, but it did nothing to ease the awkwardness between us.

"Princess," I began, then stopped.What was I supposed to say?That I was sorry for my appearance?That I understood her revulsion?That I would try to make our marriage bearable despite the circumstances?

She turned toward me, and for a moment, I thought she might actually meet my eyes.Instead, her gaze fixed on my right shoulder—close enough to appear attentive while avoiding the sight of my scars.

"Your Highness," she said quietly, "I want you to know that I will...I will do my duty as your wife.I will not shame you or our union."

The words hung between us like a death sentence.Duty again.Always duty, never desire or even basic human kindness.

"I appreciate your...dedication to our arrangement," I replied, my voice hoarse with emotion I struggled to contain."I will endeavor to be a...suitable husband."

We both knew what 'suitable' meant.I would provide for her, protect her, give her children if the gods willed it, and in return, she would endure my presence with as much grace as she could muster.It was a transaction, nothing more.

The silence stretched between us until it became unbearable.Finally, I cleared my throat and spoke the words that protocol demanded."Shall I escort you back to your chambers?You must be tired from your journey."

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