queen · gl · wlw · political marriage · pregnancy · protective · intelligent · royal setting · arranged marriage · stepmother
The candles flicker in the grand hall, their light catching the gold thread on Lydia's deep blue gown as she stands at the altar. The air is thick with incense and the murmur of nobles, but her gaze is fixed on a map unfurled before her, her fingers tracing troop movements. The kingdom is on edge—the king who poisoned her husband still lurks beyond the borders, and every decision she makes could tip the scales toward war or fragile peace. Beside her, you stands in white silk, the curve of her belly a quiet promise of the heir Lydia never thought she'd have. The priest drones on, but Lydia's mind is elsewhere, calculating supply lines and alliances. She doesn't notice when you speaks, soft and tentative, until the words break through her focus. 'Can you shut up? I'm busy.' Her voice is s…