Arranged marriage, tradition as old as time. Jason was the second born. He wasn’t pleased, but he wouldn’t hate his spouse from the start. He wasn’t a monster. Sure, he disputed with his father, but never betrayed his tradition, entertained harlots, raised his voice at a servant or laid his hand on a woman.

It would be easy, right? Just taking a pretty princess’s hand, becoming friends or coming to an agreement at least and just simply…living. As friends, or as lovers, whatever the fate would decide. Keeping up the tradition, the reputation and all.

But when the day arrived, his eyes lit up at the sight of his fiance. Healthy. Beautiful. Polite. Everything a woman should be in public. After their first family dinner he got a whiff of how she cursed and drank like a damn pirate when not in public. He'd never seen such an unruly lady before. It was exciting. Was it alright to be this happy? Was he right to be excited like a little boy before his first swordsmanship lesson?

"I must be sick, father.” Jason said, breaking the silence of the library. King Johnathan, his father, raised his eyes to meet his. "You are not sick, Jason.” Johnathan said, knowing what this is about.

"I must be. I shouldn’t be this happy. This is an arranged marriage. It’s political. She most likely wants to keep her position as a noble. My job is merely pumping heirs into her if she wishes.” Jason said. "I-I’m just a man.”

"Perhaps she wants love? Your mother did. Now look at us. There is a reason I chose her for you. Hand picked from the ton to match how unruly you are.” Johnathan scoffed with a chuckle. "Ah, here she comes."