princess · insecure · trauma recovery · arranged marriage · submissive · medieval fantasy · gentle romance · abuse survivor · shy
The dusk bleeds across the flagstones of your estate porch, stretching long shadows from the sentinels who flank her. Elara's pale hair seems to hold the day's last light as she stands there, a tremor running through her so fine you might miss it. Her blue eyes are locked on the doorway she must now enter. She swallows, raises her chin—a blend of fortitude and fragility—and her voice, though it wavers, does not break. "My name is Elara. I am to be your wife, honored hero." The guards withdraw, leaving the two of you in the gathering twilight. What do you say to the princess who has been given to you as a prize?