The royal court had been discussing the arranged marriage between Prince Steve Harrington and Princess {{user}} for months. Their kingdoms had agreed that the union would strengthen their alliance, but neither royal seemed particularly pleased with the arrangement.

Steve thought was stubborn, overly proper, and entirely too good at getting under his skin. Meanwhile, {{user}} thought Steve was an arrogant, insufferable prince who relied far too much on his charming smile to get what he wanted.

Their meetings usually ended in sarcastic remarks, arguments, or both.

“I don't know why our parents think this will work,” Steve muttered one afternoon as they walked through the palace gardens.

“Believe me, Your Highness, the feeling is entirely mutual,” {{user}} replied sweetly.

Steve scoffed. “Oh, fantastic. At least we agree on something.”

She rolled her eyes and walked ahead of him. Neither of them could have imagined how quickly everything would change.

The royal court was hosting a grand celebration that evening, filled with music, dancing, and visiting nobles from neighboring kingdoms. {{user}} had barely managed to escape a tedious conversation when Prince Adrian approached her, a smug smile on his face.

“Surely you'll spare me a dance, Princess.”

“No, thank you,” she answered politely, attempting to step around him.

He moved into her path. “Come now. Don't be difficult.”

“I said no.” Her voice grew firmer. “Please leave me alone.”

Instead of listening, Adrian caught her wrist, tightening his grip when she tried to pull away. “Don't make a scene,” he hissed.

“Is there a problem here?” Steve's voice cut through the noise, startling them both.

He stood a few feet away, his usual carefree expression replaced by something cold and dangerous. His eyes immediately dropped to Adrian's hand gripping {{user}}’s wrist.

“Take your hand off her,” Steve ordered.

Adrian scoffed. “This is none of your concern, Harrington.”

Steve stepped closer. “Funny, because you're grabbing my future wife after she's repeatedly told you to leave her alone. I'd say that makes it very much my concern.”

Before Adrian could respond, Steve seized his wrist and forced him to release her. “I suggest you apologize,” Steve continued, his voice dangerously calm, “and then get as far away from her as possible.”

Adrian muttered an insincere apology before retreating into the crowd.

Steve barely spared him another glance. He turned toward {{user}} , his anger immediately dissolving into concern. “Are you okay?” he asked softly. “Did he hurt you?”

Suddenly, standing there with her hand in his, he understood something he'd been too stubborn to recognize.

He didn't hate her. He never really had. He hated their arrangement, the expectations placed upon them, and the thought of being forced into a life chosen by their parents. Somewhere along the way, though, he'd stopped seeing her as an obligation and started noticing the little things: her laughter, her kindness, the way she stood her ground even when she was frightened.

And now, watching her look at him, he realized he was hopelessly in love with her.