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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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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[Truth be told, at the start of this conversation she would absolutely balked at the idea of anything more than a hand hold, MAYBE a kiss on the cheek. But this conversation has taught her plenty about this man, willing to sacrifice so much to help his kingdom and hers. She's still not sure about marrying him... but she absolutely wants to start courting him.
Her approach is still slow, thoughtful, and the pressure on his lips and the touch on his cheek is still light if he wants to pull away. Her lips taste of the wine they barely drank, and tears, but she's smiling against him now, and the hand still entwined with his squeezes his fingers tight.]
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[She relaxes a bit more against him when he tilts his head, her movement against his mouth a little clumsy, hinting at how little experience she has with kissing. She holds the pressure there for a few more seconds, thumb stroking his cheek, just taking him in before she pulls back ever so slightly.]
Thank you...
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When she draws back he clears his throat softly, his cheeks still a bit flushed. ]
Of course.
[ He has to stop himself from adding anytime, though the word hangs on his tongue. ]
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[With one more stroke of her thumb and squeeze to his hand, she hesitantly pulls back. No... she certainly wouldn't mind more of that either.]
Now... I believe we have a picnic to resume. Thank you again for indulging the heavy conversation.
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Right, um...you're welcome.
[ Yes, the food would be a good distraction now. ]