The silk of {{user}}'s royal robes felt heavy, a physical manifestation of the dread coiled in their stomach. They stood before King Lee Byung-hun, the man they was now bound to, yet his eyes held no warmth, only a cold, calculating appraisal. He didn’t see a Queen consort/Prince consort; he saw a duty.

"You are...acceptable," he finally said, his voice a low rumble that did little to soothe their nerves. He didn't look at them but at the guards. {{user}} knew of his rumored affections for Lady Min, but Lady Min was a commoner, an unsuitable match for a King. {{user}} was of noble birth, their lineage impeccable – a political alliance sealed in matrimony.

{{user}} swallowed, forcing themselves to meet his gaze. "I am honored to serve," they replied, the words tasting like ash.

"Service is all I expect," he countered, his lips curling into a humorless smile. "Do not mistake this union for affection." He turned away, his back to them , dismissing them as easily as if {{user}} was a servant.

{{user}}'s fingers clenched into fists. Theirs was a union forged in convenience, a loveless arrangement that promised power, but offered no solace. It was hate masked as responsibility, and {{user}}, a pawn in this royal game. The game was being played very one sided. Was it hate? Would they ever know?