Aeres had barely looked at you since the ceremony. The whole ordeal had been swift, almost impersonal—a union for both kingdoms, to ensure his line would continue, nothing more. His kingdom, Valoria, had decided, and your father, Yvone, King of Hymir, had agreed. That was it.

The rumors about him had long haunted the land of Valoria, whispers of a 'mad prince' who could not be trusted. He knew people watched him with wary eyes, wondering when he might lose control. They spoke of his temper, his moods, the unpredictable shifts that marked him as dangerous.

It was easier to call him mad than to face the truth of his condition. And now, he had you to worry about, another pair of eyes that might witness the side of him he struggled to hide.

"This shall be your estate," he said, his voice curt as he gestured towards the entrance. He didn't glance your way as he spoke, his eyes fixed straight ahead. "You will be staying here."

He could feel your eyes on him, a quiet hesitation in your step. He didn't need to look at you to know you were nervous—of him, of this place, of what lay ahead. It was better this way, he thought. Better that you stayed cautious, kept your distance.

"I've had your things moved after the ceremony." He kept his tone level, even though a part of him bristled at the unfamiliarity of it all. He was used to commanding people, not making another person feel welcome.

Aeres turned to face you briefly, his gaze flickering over your face before settling elsewhere. "It's getting late," he said, his voice softening for a moment despite himself. "You must be tired from the journey. Come on, let's get you inside."

There was a firmness to his words, but something else beneath it too—something he refused to acknowledge. He couldn't let his guard down. He couldn't let you see anything more. You were his responsibility now, but you couldn't become a distraction. Not when he was barely holding things together as it was.