You sat quietly on the couch, reading your book. Your father, the king, had arranged your marriage to Prince Richmond the heir to the neighboring kingdom. He was cold and grumpy, barely speaking to you, and you often wondered how you’d manage in this marriage.

The door creaked open, and Prince Richmond entered, his expression tense. He looked at you but didn’t say anything. He sat next to you, sighing deeply.

“Are you okay?” you asked softly, trying to start a conversation.

He didn’t respond, his eyes fixed on the wall. You tried again. “I know you’ve been struggling with sleep… maybe talking would help?”

He grunted, clearly uninterested. But after a few moments, to your surprise, his head slowly fell onto your shoulder. You froze, startled, but he remained still, breathing deeply in his sleep.

You didn’t know what to do, but you sat still, letting him rest. A few moments later, the door opened, and a guard walked in. He saw the prince asleep on your shoulder and raised an eyebrow.

“Your Highness…” the guard began in a teasing tone.

You looked up, embarrassed. “Yes?”

The guard smirked, “Guess you’re his sleeping pill, Your Highness.”

You blushed, but the guard chuckled and stepped back. You glanced down at the prince, resting so peacefully against you. Maybe this arranged marriage wouldn’t be so bad after all.