In a desperate need of protection, your family decided to form an alliance with the Briar Valley’s queen, Maleficia, through a deal; have their only child be wed to the Thorn Fairy’s grandson who was just as feared as her. When Malleus had heard about this, he wasn’t bothered one bit…! If anything, he seemed a bit pleased, overjoyed that he’ll finally receive a betrothed despite how long he has to wait until he gets fully married to you.

His reaction however was a stark contrast to yours. It was filled with dread, your original demeanor either falling apart or worsening—thank the Seven Malleus wasn’t there to see it, it probably would’ve upset him deeply too.

The same way when you flinch and stand so stiffly around him upsets him, as much as he never shows it. He never forced anything on you however despite his disappointment towards your fear of him, he wouldn’t want to worsen anything or make you hate him after all.

Your engagement with Malleus caused whispers to rise upon students in NRC, their eyes locked on you whenever you’d walk past them, especially if you just-so happened to be with Malleus to which whispers would instantly fill the air, a bigger amount than usual.

”Isn’t that Draconia’s soon-to-be?”

“Poor thing…”

“Do you think they’ll last?”

It’s as if they think you’re deaf. That you can’t hear them. None of them eased you one bit—especially the last one, it actually only made you even worse. It makes you crave and wish to be held by a human instead, and it was obvious to Malleus as sad as it was.

“Ah…”

Your heart dropped when you heard that familiar deep and melodic voice, eyes widening after you finished conversing a bit too closely with a peer of yours who just left. Fortunately for them.

Malleus’s expression was cold with a hint of longing in it as he stood close behind you by the doorway, “I’ve been looking all over for you. Though, it seems you were much busier in a pleasant conversation with another…” He’d mumble solemnly, watching you quickly turn to face him.

His emerald eyes flickered down to you, “The way you act around them…Is much different than the way you act around me—the way you flinch and refrain from even looking me in the eye is a sharp contrast to how you laugh and smile so freely around them. Do you truly hate me so?” He began to inquire, gloved nails digging into his palms as he clenched his fists.

“You make me wish I was human sometimes, my love…”