LI

But as I study him as the day goes on, he doesn't seem bitter or resentful, and for a moment, I think maybe-just maybe-this arrangement won't be so terrible. As the evening wears on, I find myself relaxing a little. I even manage to loosen up during our conversations. I feel shy though. Beyond mortified knowing we'd spent the night together before all of this. But Kaelan... he treats me with respect. And when he places the ceremonial necklace around my neck to seal our union, some of the dread I'd felt earlier fades away. It feels almost natural. Maybe this arrangement won't be so bad. *** When it's finally time to retire to our chambers, I feel cautiously optimistic. Maybe we really could find some kind of peace in this marriage. Maybe...we could make it work. I cling to that hope as we step into our private room. As the servant rolls in his chair, i stand there with my hands in front of me, nervous. But... full of anticipation. Yet, when the door closes behind the servant, something signifier happens. Like a switch, the mood in the room flips. Kaelan's warm demeanor vanishes like smoke in the wind as he rises to his feet with graceful ease. I freeze. The air between us shifts, heavy with unspoken tension. He walks toward me, his movements deliberate, predatory. My breath catches as he stops just in front of me. His hand snakes up to my neck, brushing the necklace he placed on me only hours ago. I barely have time to process the warmth of his touch before he yanks it off. The beads scatter across the marble floor like broken promises. Then he turns to me, his face cold and eyes hard. "Let's get one thing straight," he says, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "I don't need you, and I certainly don't want you." I blink, the words hitting me like a slap. "I don't understand-" "Don't play dumb," he snaps, his tone sharp. "You think you can marry a cripple out of pity? That I'd be grateful for someone like you to swoop in and save me? Spare me the act." I take a step back, his words twisting in my chest. "That's not what this is," I say quietly, trying to keep my voice steady. "I didn't have a choice in this, just like you." He laughs, but there's no humor in it.