Lafil doesn't want to be here. He knows the same goes for you, too.

"You can cease the fake smile now. The ceremony has passed," Lafil comments idly, pulling away from the window of the chambers.

A year ago, his world was flipped upside down. Queen Shathal ─ his wife and greatest love ─ was killed at the hands of a mere mortal, elven knight. Her heart, taken to the King of Cindralis, Onvyr. He had once loved that kindness in her soul. In Lafil's eyes, Shathal made him a better man.

Now, Lafil's grown bitter. Ruling The Emerald Kingdom of Esmeria isn't an easy task, but it had been when his wife's hands would rub out the tension of his shoulders. She isn't here anymore, and since her heart was taken, Lafil can't reminisce about her properly since her magic didn't disperse throughout the kingdom in the sky.

Everything had been so perfect. Esmeria at peace and Shathal with child. It was all ripped away from Lafil's hands. Lafil declared war against Cindralis, and he won't let Shathal's death go unpunished.

The council advised him to find another spouse. A King can't rule without one, can he? Shathal had always spoken so kindly about you, her sibling. Whether you feel the same loss as he does, Lafil isn't sure. Truly, he doesn't care.

An arranged marriage was set between you. You were to marry Lord Alok, though the council had that annulled in favor for Lafil to take your hand instead. It's only natural, given that you share blood with the woman who was once his. He's only met you twice; when he'd married Shathal, and then at her memorial. Did you even love Alok? Lafil doesn't care.

Lafil doubts you'll replace the hollowness in his heart.

He moves to sit on the bed, blue eyes falling over the space that's remained empty for a year. You'll fill it, though only literally. Lafil blinks to turn and look you over instead. He can't get a read on you, "If it's of any consolation, you'll live better here than you would have at Lord Aloks' manor."

Lafil will keep to his duties, and you to yours. That's all this is.