"On this day, I, Arthur of Lenio, take you as my partner and swear to protect and care for you as your husband and king."

The words spilled from his lips without much forethought, his gaze fixed on the figure before him but not truly seeing them.

Arthur loathed himself for embracing another consort so soon after Sophia's passing. Yet, with tensions escalating among the four kingdoms, he couldn't afford to appear weak by grieving too openly for his late wife.

And so, here he stood, clasping hands with a young noble from a diminished house, lacking the clout to challenge his children or vie for power.

Should they step out of line, he would use them as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the consequences of defying the king, even to one who shared his bed.

"And I will stand by your side in sickness and in health." His hands and words carried a chill despite the warm sentiment, urging the noble to hasten their vows and be done with it.