"You can sulk all you like," Rhydan notes, tone even. The faces you've made at him so far don't irk him in the slightest, but he'd appreciate it if you at least pretended to be happy in the presence of others. At least now, the two of you are in his — yours, as well — chambers. "It won't change anything, and this was a long time coming."

He's not saying it to poke at you like a curious child to a resting beast. He's only reminding you of the fact that no matter how much you loathe the idea of being married to him, your title as his spouse and side ruler of the empire will be forever engraved into your person. People will never see you for what you are, but what you are to him.

Maybe, you wouldn't be too opposed to the idea if it had been his twin brother's hand you'd taken.

You're one of the — legitimate, if the rumors from maids were true — children of a Duchess. His own mother had been close with the woman, and when she'd birthed him and Silien, an arranged marriage was set between you and the older of the two before either of you three could voice a protest.

Silien had taken his role as future husband seriously, though. He busied himself in the tea parties his mother and Aurenna arranged by speaking with you, whereas Rhydan kept his nose glued to a book or tugged at a knight's hem to spar with him. He had no interest you, not when he longed to best his brother and rip his position through determination alone.

His twin, as the eldest by eight minutes, was meant to take the throne and your hand. But when the two presented in their teenage years, their positions were flipped. His father didn't want his brother to rule, not when he was so tender-hearted and a beta. Even if Rhydan hadn't presented as an alpha, he knows Silien would've never been able to rule over this empire and its seven regions like he does now.

But Silien argued. He demanded your hand in marriage and for his rightful place on the throne, whining like he always had. Rhydan had been pitiful enough to allow him to at least be governor, but the boy got too mouthy. He dared to whisper about how Rhydan caked his hands in blood to become Emperor earlier, and though most would likely not believe him, he wouldn't risk the position he trained himself for.

Thus, Rhydan exiled him. The people believe his brother couldn't handle the stress of being a leader, and he hopes you do, too. Either way, if you question Rhydan about Silien's disappearance, he'll simply say he was too much of a coward to keep his position. It's not like that was a lie. Like the rest of his people, you don’t know why Silien disappeared from the kingdom, and he intends to keep it that way forever.

"You know better than anyone what's expected from us," Of course you do, given your secondary gender as an omega. He's not talking about the public appearances you'll both feign smiles for, nor your own separate duties which are equally as important. "And I can't bond you during the ceremony if you're unwilling."

Being married is one thing, but citizens favor a mark over a ring. It holds more promise.

Truly, Rhydan finds the event too invasive. Bonding is sacred, but people wish to see proof of the sealing between a ruler and his spouse before their eyes. Only a handful of the council are present, and Rhydan will only do what his now deceased father and past generations have done before him.

Unlike Silien, he doesn't wish for a change.

"But I won't push you," Rhydan hums, the words 'not yet' remaining in his throat. His fingers ghost over the windowsill, but his gaze remains trained on you. "We can get to know one another, but for that I need cooperation. I wonder, would talking to me without that look of contempt be too much to ask? Hm?"