Arranged Marriage
Much less love them...
Still, things can change.
You could realize that they are in the same boat as you or, that when compared to others around you,
they are the lesser of evils. Perhaps you even open up to the idea of a friendship; at the very least,
an alliance may be in order to become a power couple in a perilous world. From that innocent decision or sense of self-preservation, a new feelings sparks. Something like affection.
Something, you realize in the wake of speeding heartbeats, like love.
Will you acknowledge this? Can the two of you have a happily ever after - happier than if you'd met in another fashion - or will you hold firm in your distaste?how to play.- Everybody loves "couples forged by less-than-ideal circumstances" tropes!
- Comment with your character, prefs, all that good stuff.
- Reply to others.
- IDEC where you set your threads, it's wide open. Fantasy world with hairy hobbits, old-timey lands, future AUs, do a space marriage for all I care. I'm sure they're still getting married in Star Wars or whatever.
POSSIBLE REASONS FOR MARRIAGE:
① Station → You come from a royal, noble, or otherwise distinguished family who has chosen a suitable spouse for you.
② Feud → You are being married to put an end to the bitter enmity between your two families.
③ Economics → Your economic state and/or your station will improve through the union, though one of you may be marrying down.
④ Empire → You and your spouse are merging your businesses and/or property to create something more influential or profitable.
⑤ Tribute → You have been offered as a gift or appeasement, alternately you're the spoils of war.
⑥ Bloodline → Carrying on your distinguished family name has fallen to you and the equally well-bred spouse of your family's selection.
⑦ Disapproval → Your marriage has been arranged to keep you away from the person with whom you truly wish to be.
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS:
① First meeting → This is the very first time you're meeting your future spouse.
② Courtship → To get to know each other and encourage affection, your family has approved of you going on dates.
③ Engagement party → Be it a huge, formal affair or a small, intimate get together, you're celebrating (or pretending).
④ Wedding day → The big day!
⑤ Reception → The big party!
⑥ Wedding night → Every meme needs a smut prompt, right?
⑦ Honeymoon → Where will you go with your new spouse and what will you do there? |
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funandcutememes) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
bakerstreet2023-01-19 11:22 am
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There are some similarities with our education, of course. The sciences, law, politics, as well as some combat. We also place a lot of importance on history, particularly that of our people. But music has always been my favorite.
[ With another sip of his wine, he throws Allura a playful smile of the rim of his glass. ] It was the one subject that I could outperform my older brother in, at least.
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[She listens attentively to the responses. History is important to Altean culture as well, usually folded into the sciences. That last sentence definitely makes her pause though.]
“Outperform?”
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You’re a bit fortunate not to have had any siblings growing up. When you have a sibling, sometimes it can feel like you’re constantly competing with them for your parents’ attention, whether you want to or not.
Especially as a younger sibling, because the older one already has a bit of a head start in figuring out how to please parents, and you’re left trying to catch up.
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[Between this, and a few other hints at how the Wyvernwinds have treated Brontë over the visit… Allura is starting to see lines to read between. She certainly hopes she and her parents would have all supported each other if she’d had siblings. Did… he really not have that? The thought is heartbreaking.]
I see… [She doesn’t like what she’s seen, but she won’t press… yet.] I… believe it is your turn to ask about me?
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...What's your favorite color?
[ It's certainly an unexpected question, maybe even a bit juvenile. But like his previous question, he's trying to know more about who Allura is, rather than the kind of ruler she might be someday. ]
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[Ah... it does catch Allura a bit off guard, how mundane a question it is after a confession like that. She can't quite tell if it's a purposeful deflection or... if he really doesn't register how sad that should be. Either way, yes, she agrees moving on works for now, finally taking a sip of her own wine.]
Cool pastels, especially blues and pinks. [She makes a light gesture to his outfit.] I take it blue is one of yours as well?
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[ He doesn't speak again immediately, and he does have to actually consider it for a moment. ]
I suppose certain shades of blue. But I think... [ He lifts up a corner of the cape, showing the sunburst color of the inner lining. ] I'm more partial to something like this. That unique blend of colors when the sun is rising.
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That is lovely. [A soft chuckle as she looks up to the clear blue sky sky.] I did consider bringing you earlier today to see the sunrise, but it's usually impolite to wake guests before dawn. This is also one of the best places in the kingdom for stargazing.
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[ An implication for future...dates? Is that what this is supposed to be? ]
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[Her smile softens again.] That can be arranged then.
[Meaning yes to a second date-ish thing. Allura hums for a while, thinking of what to ask next...]
... What do you think of these negotiations, Brontë?
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...If I may be honest? I was never in favor of this idea of a marriage between us. [ He glances towards Allura again. ] Not for any fault of yours, of course. I just don't understand why my parents think such a union is the only necessary way for our nations to form an alliance. And frankly, the entire proposition was mortifying, and I can only imagine how you must have felt about it.
For that, I am sorry.
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[It might surprise him, but she relaxes a bit.]
There's no need to apologize. This whole situation is... very strange. Altea does not practice arranged marriage, among any class. Marriage is a promise of love and deep trust, for we live long lives in a dangerous world. As long as my spouse and I loved each other and they were able to assist me in ruling Altea, I am allowed to marry whomever I wish. [Or not marry at all and designate a relative or close friend as heir, but she does want a spouse and children someday.] If this courtship were to happen, it should take months, possibly years to decide whether to spend the rest of our lives and create a family together, whether I trust you with the welfare of my kingdom. And most importantly it should be our choice.
But... [there's that tension in her frame again] I do not know if we have that time.
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[ He huffs out a breath of frustration, placing his wine glass aside to pinch the bridge of his nose. ] You know, they hadn't even told me that this was their intention when they asked me to accompany them here? I didn't find out until well into our trip, when it was too late for me to go back home.
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With all due respect... from what I have seen and heard of your parents so far, I am becoming less and less surprised. This should not be your burden to bear either.
[At the time, she had focused on her own shock. Of course her parents were just as surprised at the idea of the two families using their children- their only daughter especially- as bargaining chips, and Allura barely stopped herself from telling the Wyvernwinds where exactly they could put their proposal. But this was so unfair to Brontë as well...]
Normally we would have rejected the idea outright, but... we desperately need your family's assistance. Much more than I initially thought... What I am about to tell you does not leave this field. Do you promise?
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[ A hope that had been too much, it seems.
Allura's words draw his attention once again, and he frowns, some of the curiosity tempered by the expression on her face. ] Of course. I promise, nothing that we speak of will be heard by anyone else.
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[Even with the promise she still hesitates, her crystal blue eyes searching his face for any falseness, any loopholes... before nodding.]
The situation with the Galra is... more dire than we thought. Much more dire... Emperor Zarkon and his consort Honerva have conducted very dangerous experiments. It is a very long story, but when Voltron was first formed, it involved a tear between the planes. The rift leaked pure energy, but also let dangerous monsters through. The Paladins of Voltron were able to defeat the creatures in their first battle... but Zarkon and Honerva kept the rift open to study it and the entities living within. Not only have their experiments drained Daibazaal of its vitality, they've begun dabbling in necromancy.
[Her eyes meet Dorian's again, the stoic report giving way to a more personal pain.]
My father has slowly watched two of his best friends grow more and more power mad. He now knows of their intent on using this knowledge to expand the Galra Empire and who knows what else. He only admitted the full dangers to me two days ago, from the King to the Crown Princess of Altea.
[Just a few days AFTER the Wyvernwinds arrived at the Castle of Lions.]
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[ This is far beyond any of his or his family's expectations. And, if he really thought about it, far beyond measure of anything they'd really be capable to help with.
But with a situation so dire...if they did mean to expand the Galra Empire - to conquer others in their goals - then all the more reason that both of their nations needed assistance. ]
Princess...if it was up to me, you and your family would have the aide of the Silken Squall with little trouble. But...
[ But it's clear by now that Brontë has little say in most things. ]
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I know...
[She sighs deeply, hands clenched in her lap, trying and eventually failing to keep her tears in.]
I do not know what to do. A leader must do what's right for their people, even if it means great sacrifice. [One of the most important lessons her father has taught her.] But this is not my sacrifice alone to make. Your family's assistance could mean the difference between my people's safety or their deaths. But isn't fair to ask you for so much, or to put your life and those of your people in our hands without knowing the full risks. I shouldn't be asking this at all...
[But they might not have a choice. She doesn't know whether trusting him is safe either; he seems kind and charming now, but she knows absolutely nothing about whether or not she can trust him with her life, or the lives of her people. But what she wants matters so little right now, at least in her mind.]
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Princess...the fact that you would consider this at all speaks of the great strength of your character. Your people don't realize how fortunate they are to have someone who cares about them so much that you're willing to give even just a part of yourself for them.
And my family, my people might not understand the full risks right now...but if something happens, then we would might not survive without your assistance either. If... [ His voice catches a moment, before he takes a breath and continues on. ] If this is something that I must do to ensure the future of my people, then so be it.
[ With his free hand, he gently catches her chin to tilt her gaze back up to him, and he smiles. ] We still have some time to make a decision. But if this is a path that we decide to move forward together...then I will be more than happy to be that support for you.
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[Oh... his touches are so gentle, for a few seconds all she can do is look at him stunned. Eventually her brain restarts, and the hand he's caught turns to hold his.]
Are you sure...? I... this is so much to ask of you, Brontë, and you've had so little choice in all this. I wanted... to give you a choice...
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And if that's the case, then I can at least decide for myself to unite with someone that I can get along with and admire.
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[Almost all of her fear turns to steel at the words, Brontë's whole situation stoking fury deep within her.]
I would fight to give you that choice if I could. You deserve more, and better.
[A deep breath... and then her free hand finds his cheek.]
I cannot thank you enough for this, Brontë.
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[ Never to outshine the First, to do what is expected of him. ]
I'm glad to be able to help, however I can.
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[A shake of her head as a bitter smile forms on her lips.]
You do not give yourself nearly enough credit.
[Neither do his family. Honestly, she's half-tempted to propose to him right then and there; gratitude, desperation to put him under Altean law and protection, and pure admiration for his bravery and selflessness proving a heady mixture. He's right though, they have time to decide. They need to be careful not to rush this.
But... this might be a good compromise. Her smile softens and her face inches ever so slightly closer to his, her cheeks slowly blooming with color.]
Stop me if this is too fast, but... may... may I kiss you?
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But...if they were going to be married someday, it wouldn't hurt to see if they were also...physically compatible, would it?
Swallowing the nervous lump in his throat, he nods. ]
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