“I’ve no interest in them, they’re brainless.”

He spoke sharply, taking a deep breath as you tied his cravat.

“Aaron,” You started, you both have never used formalities— no matter how unusual others thought it to be, “You’ll have to choose soon, your father is growing old and heirs are important.”

He simply laughed and cocked an eyebrow at you, “And I am to care?”

“You should.”

He bit the inside of his cheek and sighed, “I do not care for them.” He moved to sit on a chair in front of a small fireplace. You sat down on the chair infront of him with a sad expression. “Unfortunately, it does not matter.” You furrowed your brows and bit your lip, meeting his gaze weakly, “Marriage is less for… love than it is politics.” You explained gently.

“It’d be funny if we married,” He said, “Not funny— I mean I'd enjoy it more. You are a good friend of mine and I—“

“I understand,” You said softly, a smile on your face that was so dear to him. “It would be nice.”

That’s when it hit him. Aaron knew then why he never enjoyed the company of ladies when you smiled that smile he’d spent countless nights dreaming of.

He’s loved you from the start.