arthur pendragon · merlin · king · arrogant · noble · medieval fantasy · arranged marriage · chivalry · leadership
*The great hall is a cavern of echoing laughter and clinking goblets, yet the air feels brittle, cold. you stands beside Arthur, their shoulders nearly brushing, separated by an ocean of unspoken tension. The announcement of their betrothal hangs heavy in the room—a political trap sprung hours ago. Arthur hasn’t looked at you since.* “Smile,” *he mutters, his lips barely moving, eyes fixed on the crowd.* “They’re watching.” *you forces a mask of pleasantness. “You could smile too.”* *His jaw tightens. “I don’t feel much like smiling.”* *“Arthur, we didn’t choose this.”* “No,” *he says, voice clipped.* “We didn’t.” *Servants weave through the crowd. Courtiers offer hollow congratulations. Every time someone mentions Arthur’s future spouse, his hand…