amongthevipers

[amongthevipers]

"you don't need to be good," emeline assured him. "i don't know many who would say i am a good dancer. i simply do it because i like it." she had a tendency to get ahead of the music because she was anticipating the steps, and she could be clumsy if she wasn't careful. still, emeline liked to dance. she didn't mind not being good at it if she was having fun.

when he asked her what she wanted to know, she started rattling off questions that were circling around in her mind. "when we have a family, how many sons and daughters would you like? what do you like to do when you are home? do you have any siblings?" she realized that she had asked all those questions in the wrong order. she had been thinking about her family in the future, already imagining what a life with andrei could look like, picturing him dancing with her and raising their kids.

There's a small, brief nod from the knight. It made sense then why she would ask him if he could dance. Sadly, he didn't believe he was very good. For someone who was able to fight as well as he did, a dance in its own way, he wasn't as skillful during feasts when the music played. If anything he preferred to stay to the side and watch with food and ale. Almost similar to how he was now. If this was something he wished to at least work, be something the tow of them could both at least enjoy for the rest of their lives, then he had to make some effort. At least that was what he believed, he saw his own parents do that for one another. "I do not think I am very good but if you are patient with me, I'm sure you could show me how." It's said almost quietly but he knows she can hear him.

His small smile grows just a little bit, not entirely expecting a betrothal and arranged marriage would be like this. Sure they hadn't married yet, but two were planned to be as according to his father and her brother. "Thank you, my lady. I hope to be good company as well. What else is it you wish to know about me?" He questions, popping bits of food in his mouth soon after to see what she might come up with.

[amongthevipers]

"how often do you get word of what transpires on driftmark?" viserra asked after a moment of thought. she respected his desire not to speak of rumors about himself, and she would say nothing of them to anyone. she didn't wish to upset him, and it had always been impressed upon her that the walls had ears, even here. "i heard through lady baela that there is some discussion of there being an ongoing...debacle between the fisherman there. one fell in love with the other's daughter or something dramatic like that. have you heard anything of it?" baela had promised her more information as soon as she heard any. so had luke, but he'd also insisted that he didn't listen to gossip like that.

Harwin knew he had to be careful, there were ways to give away his position even without actively saying it. And knowing her, who her mother was, she was smart and already figuring it out. She was too smart for her own good. "Romantic? No." He says, doing his best to deter thought from that idea even if it might be too late for such a gesture. But Harwin was aware of the rumors, how they never left them even when they went to Dragonstone. If it ever had been found out, well, he and their sons would be dead. He could only hope she would not say anything foolish. "I would not know what else to speak of, but you may pick the topic."

@amongthevipers

[amongthevipers]

helaena sometimes wondered about the lives of those who served her. she didn't often ask, but she wondered what they had done before they came here. her question had been answered without her having asked it, at least this time. "what was your mother's funeral like?" she supposed that was the closest to what her father's funeral might be like, but it was the second funeral ilithyia that interested her most. she was not certain she'd attend her own husband's funeral, so she wished to know what that was like.

She paused at the question. "Yes." She said. "My mother's when I was little, and my first husband's." Ilithyia said. "But I think the traditions in Lys are different then they are here." She said. "But I can try to explain any questions you may have." She was used to some of Helaena's questions. She moved to perch on the edge of the seat while the water boiled.

[amongthevipers]

she had realized she had grown amused by how people picked their words around her, careful of what to say because she was a woman and queen. she could often tell which they were using as a metric to guide their speech. when they put more weight on her status as queen they were quick to placate her. when they spoke to her as merely a woman she was often spoken to in a way that wouldn't offend even the most precious of ears. it was exhausting. "that is all very interesting. i can imagine seeing so many people destitute must be disheartening." she couldn't imagine she'd be able to stomach it for long. "you did not answer my question though, what are they saying about the westerosi in essos?"

"They were, to a point my queen." Rickard answers, doing his best to keep things cordial as he could despite how he truly felt. Though he couldn't exactly argue that the traveling aspect was eye opening, that he got to see and experience things that Westeros and now due to a series of events he had found his way back. "They are similar, though slaves are everywhere." He shrugs a bit. "I wouldn't entirely say the free cities are free to all." It was a simple answer. "There are things there that one cannot experience here but the essence of slavery leaves a bad in one's mouth. I prefer Westeros still." In all, this was no doubt the most honest he'd be with the queen.

@amongthevipers

[amongthevipers]

all this was good news to viserra. her mother's advice to her had been to find things in common. it had also included that they did not need to be in love, but it was best if they got along. at the time that remark had felt directed at someone else in the room, but now she understood it had been for her as well. she was so much more excited as steffon began sharing in her interests. "i would like that very much! i haven't given it much thought, but i think the harp or perhaps one of those lutes they play might be interesting. i once suggested a flute to one of my brothers and they reminded me of the noise. i think a stringed might be a bit quieter while we learn, don't you?"

"of course whenever you want to i try to get out regularly so i am open to going any time." steffon tries to assure her. he doesn't want her to be nervous he wants her to try seeing this place as a home since it had to be one for her now. he will do whatever he can to make this transition easier for her. "dancing i can do i have gotten better about not stepping on toes. as for instruments i have been wanting to learn one maybe we could try together. i am sure there must be a few that are easier to learn. unless you had something in mind of course."

[amongthevipers]

she had known he might ask where she'd been. she just thought he might ask later rather than immediately. lyanna would protect her brother from the full truth of what she might have been doing while she was gone, as he would for her, but she would tell him what she could. she owed him that after he'd surely fended off questions the entire time she'd been gone. lyanna knew she was dearly missed at parties when she was gone. "you're my favorite for a reason. thank you." she gestured for him to follow her back in the direction she'd come from. "i'll tell you, but first i have something to show you."

He had been doing his best and in all honesty Rickard thought he had been doing a damned good job of it too. In fact, he was rather proud of himself for it. Though he had hoped she wouldn't be too long because he wasn't sure when their parents would want to check on her, after all they knew their two youngest weren't exactly the easiest to handle. They often encouraged one another's troublesome nature. Wine in hand, he gave the same answer to everyone when it came to his sister. The tap that eventually came, he hoped wasn't from their mother ready to question him. Needless to say he was more than relieved when he saw Lyanna standing before him. "Oh thank the gods, I wasn't sure how long they'd believe." He whispers with a wide grin. "Now, not going to tell me what caused you to run off? Leaving me here all alone to endure, well, everything."

[amongthevipers]

"i did not think of your son, my apologies." she should have realized ramona might be otherwise occupied throughout the day before asking. it was good that she had not embarrassed herself much bu being shut down. she did not speak of her husband, or marriage as ruby assumed someone grieving might, but she didn't ask.

she ate like a bird, lady dustin had said when she first came from the dreadfort to stay with her. now, she imagined hearing it again. she missed barrowton so much, missed lively meals and civilized conversation. at least her aunt seemed to be more civilized. "i do look forward to learning more about you, my father did not speak of his family much."

There was a flash of annoyance that crossed her features at the proposition. The question of why would she ever want to spend the day with Ruby was on the tip of her tongue, yet she managed to hold it and quickly erase her irritation. Ramona reminded herself that things had changed at the Dreadfort since her youth and perhaps she could learn something useful from the girl.

"That's fine." Her eyes remained on the food before her, still not making an effort to touch it or the wine. Not out of fear or caution, but merely disinterest. The old cook must have died. "My son sleeps the day away. He will not be asking for me."

@amongthevipers

[amongthevipers]

EVERYTHING I OWED IS NOW QUEUED!! WHOOOO

[amongthevipers]

i didn't mean for it to be so long since ive been active here. i started out my winter break with a ✨depressive episode✨ that lasted basically up until christmas and my drafts piled up EVERYWHERE cause i just couldnt write. i finally got my drafts out of the double digits recently and i can tackle drafts here...later.

daytime nico update!

drafts here: 1 drafts on toomagic: 2 drafts on heroeslogic: 1 drafts on seethewest: 2 1 drafts on amongthevipers: at least 5

gonna icon after lunch cause the podcast i listen to posted a new episode. everyone say good job nico your brain power is immense (don't say that im just bein silly. my brain power IS immense tho)

[amongthevipers]

&. 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 (𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬?) 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  various  dialogue  prompts  to  send  to  your  worst  enemy  (affectionate).  feel  free  to  change  how  you  seem  fit.  )

❛ oh great, it's you again. ❜

❛ you? kill me? that's funny. ❜

❛ for being someone you hate, i'm sure on your mind a lot. ❜

❛ you're the last person i wanted to see, actually. ❜

❛ do us both a favor. stay away from me. ❜

❛ you really are an asshole, you know that? ❜

❛ i'm the asshole? what does that make you then? ❜

❛ sometimes i think you must hate me. ❜

❛ i thought you said you never wanted to see me again. ❜

❛ if you want me to go, then you have to tell me to leave. ❜

❛ well, someone's cranky today. ❜

❛ well, someone needs to shut the fuck up. ❜

❛ just stay out of my way. ❜

❛ of all the idiots in the world, i'm stuck with you. ❜

❛ what is it you want this time? ❜

❛ sometimes i wonder if you're in love with me. ❜

❛ do you honestly think this is easy for me? ❜

❛ why would i ever want to be friends with you? ❜

❛ can we please just talk? ❜

❛ there is nothing for us to talk about. ❜

❛ you can yell at me later. just let me help you. ❜

❛ touch me, and you're dead. ❜

❛ oh, so now you care? ❜

❛ there is something deeply wrong with you. ❜

❛ i know i'm the last person you probably want to see, but... ❜

❛ you don't think we could be friends, do you? ❜

❛ i'm tired of fighting against you. ❜

❛ don't pretend you give a shit about me. ❜

❛ you're an idiot, but... i trust you. ❜

❛ oh, don't be cute. ❜

❛ wait, did you just say that i'm cute? ❜

❛ we're not good for each other. ❜

❛ if i say yes, will you shut up? ❜

❛ don't you have to be stupid somewhere else? ❜

❛ maybe we should kiss just to break the tension. ❜

❛ i'm sorry i can't turn off my feelings as easily as you. ❜

❛ maybe there's a universe out there where we're friends. ❜

❛ how can you be so smart yet so dumb at the same time? ❜

❛ don't think this changes anything between us. ❜

❛ you look ridiculous in that outfit, by the way. ❜

❛ if you die, i'll kill you. ❜

❛ is that a challenge? ❜

❛ ah, so you're not heartless after all. ❜

❛ i don't think i've ever seen you smile. ❜

❛ you never cared about me, so why now? ❜

❛ why didn't you kill me when you had the chance? ❜

❛ i don't even remember why we started fighting. ❜

❛ i don't have time for distractions right now. ❜

❛ you're not as bad as everyone says you are. ❜

❛ enemies make the best lovers, you know. ❜

[amongthevipers]

helaena watched her as she began to make the tea. once the water had begun to boil, illythia moved to ask for the bread, helaena's attention remained on the fire licking at the pot. "have you ever been to a funeral before?" she asked, her voice feeling as if it was not coming from her. death, of course, was something they must all grow accustomed too at one point, but helaena's question was steeped in a curiosity about the matter not even septas could dissuade her from.

"Of course." She said as she stood. They typically kept her tea things in the room. Helaena liked her tea, so she started making her a cup of tea. A nod from her. "I'll have one of your other ladies bring the bread up." The ladies, mostly organized by her, had agreed that someone should always stay with Helaena just in case she needed anything while they were waiting. She stepped just out of the door to ask one of the ladies lingering to bring the queen some sweet bread and some honey. She walked back into the room to check on the tea. Setting about getting the pot ready while the water boiled.

[amongthevipers]

she continued to smile at his comment and the nudge to her shoulder. he would always be brother to her, but emeline could still be proud of him for taking his new lordship in stride. the circumstances were extremely unfortunate, but he was still making the best of it and so would she. "is there anything i will be able to do to help?" she asked, and then followed that question with another. "will i be able to return home once everything has been rebuilt?" she cared for princess rhaenyra, and it would be a shame to leave her, but emeline had begun to miss her home after having been in king's landing for so long.

There's a chuckle that leaves him at her declaration, knowing full well she still had her moments. It brought memories of how their home used to be to him, the life they once held and only barely did now. "I am glad you are here too, it gives this place a light that it's been missing for some time." Though he looks down at her as she teases, a small chuckle once more escapes his lips as he nods. "I will do what I can, but I have other things to attend to. And it is still brother to you." He gives a light shove to her as they walk. "Making sure everyone else is safe and well from the fire is my first priority, after that then I will rebuild the areas that need it most." There's a small pause before he continues on. "It seems to be the right thing to do."

[amongthevipers]

i am deep in the trenches of flashacards for my test on friday but popping on to say

arranged marriage plots when??? arranged marriage plots now preferably with me and also u the mun reading this

[amongthevipers]

it was a relief that there was something the two of them shared and that he was not disappointed in her not being a hunter. "i look forward to riding with you." she worried her bottom lip between her teeth. "my hobbies?" her hobbies really had been to follow her mother and father around like a shadow. besides reading, or what her siblings might refer to as obsessing, about the dragons, viserra didn't do much else. "i suppose i like dancing. i enjoy music so i might enjoy playing it."

"i am not a hunter personally i mostly just enjoy archery and horseback riding. which are again- my mother's favorites. it was only just us so what she did i did. even after she was gone i kept it all up." he should stop talking about her so much it's just habit. he really should just relax a bit and not overthink things so much. "well we can get you a horse- i mean we have plenty of horses but one that is all your own. are there any other hobbies you enjoy? i would love to learn maybe we could do those things together." he really wants to make this work.

[amongthevipers]

once i figure out how to link to it would y'all be interested in the voyant page for the asoiaf books? i had to upload them to voyant for a final project i'm doing

[amongthevipers]

@worthyheir sent ❛ i'll always be here for you, no matter what. just please don't shut me out. ❜

he was meant to be the leader that he had become, but rhaenyra still struggled with seeing him as the man he had grown into. in her heart and mind he was still her little boy. she still wanted to preserve for him some of that boyhood he would not be afforded because he was coming of age in a time of conflict. when she was not sharing something with her son, it was in hopes that he would be able to worry less. he was always too perceptive for her to keep things from him. she leaned against the railing looking out at the dragons hunting in the hills. "i know you will be," she said, speaking after having been lost in silent thought for longer than she truly knew. "i am only trying to protect you, you need not worry so much. that is my job." she welcomed him into her space and pulled him close to her, putting her hand atop his head like she used to when he was smaller.

[amongthevipers]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ* ARRANGED MARRIAGE SENTENCE STARTERS 3.0

arranged marriage themed starters based on this, only revamped and with many added lines! change pronouns, names, or make any other adaptations as needed!

UNHAPPY MATCHES

❝ I would rather die than marry the likes of you. ❞

❝ I will run away! I won’t accept this marriage! ❞

❝ I cannot accept this. I will not marry them – my heart belongs to someone else. ❞

❝ Please – please do not make me wed them! ❞

❝ Anyone else would be better! Please, I know you can find me a better match! ❞

❝ I will never love you! ❞

❝ It isn’t fair! I don’t even know them! ❞

❝ Why him? Can't I marry [name] instead? ❞

❝ He doesn't want me, nor I him. Why force us to marry? ❞

❝ Find me another bride. Any other bride. ❞

❝ I don't want to marry him and go to the other side of the realm, away from everything and everyone I have ever known. ❞

❝ She is not the bride I want. You know that. ❞

❝ She is as pretty as a painting, and lovely in every sense, I'm sure. So give her to a husband who will love her, and let me have the one my heart desires. ❞

❝ I agreed to it for an alliance, and her family failed to deliver. I will not marry her. ❞

❝ I'm a prince of the realm, even if I'm not heir to the throne. This match is beneath me. ❞

❝ I will not accept a bride that is not of our lineage. Our ancient blood is not to be mixed with the blood of other men. ❞

❝ Why must I marry the enemy for the sake of an alliance? Why am I the adequate sacrifice to make? ❞

❝ She hates me, she hates all of our family, and for good reason. Don't make me marry her. ❞

❝ My entire family is dead because of his. His entire family is dead because of mine. Do you truly believe marrying us will be enough? ❞

❝ Joining our two bloodlines solves nothing. There is no undoing the bloodshed between us. ❞

❝ He loved her. He will never love me. ❞

❝ Go through with it and you're sentencing him to death. I do not jest when I say I will rid myself of him sooner or later. ❞

DUTY

❝ Do not touch me! I only married you for duty, stay away from me! ❞

❝ I shall fulfill my duty, but that is all. Please do not touch me unless you must. ❞

❝ I do not care what you want, we did not marry out of love. ❞

❝ We are only marrying because I need an heir. What you do and with who beyond that does not matter to me. ❞

❝ Even though I have been told this would be my duty my entire life, I still can’t quite accept it. ❞

❝ You knew this day would come. People like us only marry for duty, dear. ❞

❝ Love is not the priority for the likes of us. ❞

❝ Marrying for love is a delusion. ❞

❝ Ours is a union of duty. You would do well to remember that. ❞

❝ Every good child knows: duty before your heart’s desire. ❞

❝ I shall marry you only because I must. ❞

❝ Even if we married for duty, our union can still become one of true love. ❞

❝ Duty brought us together, but it is love that will make this bearable. ❞

❝ I do not have to like it, only to fulfill my duty. ❞

❝ I know you wouldn't have chosen me, as I wouldn't have chosen you. But it's our duty to see this through. ❞

❝ I have to place duty first. It's what is expected of me. ❞

❝ I have been betrothed to him for years. I have to do my duty, even if I yearn to be with you instead. ❞

❝ This will be more bearable if we both fulfill our duties. ❞

❝ I am not what you wanted, but I swear to you I shall fulfill my duties as your husband as well as I can — and leave you alone as much as you wish, should that be your preference. ❞

LOVE

❝ Love can be built, too. And if you’re willing, I would like to try and learn to love you. ❞

❝ I do not care about power and wealth. I want to marry for love. ❞

❝ A marriage is a marriage – love or arranged. Both require the same level of commitment. ❞

❝ My father used to say the strongest loves are built by choice, not by chance. ❞

❝ Do you believe in love at first sight? I think I’m already in love with you. ❞

❝ You will learn to love. You have to be determined to grow a love that will sustain your marriage for a lifetime.  ❞

❝ We were friends once, do you remember? I know much has happened since, but there was fondness between us before. Perhaps there may yet be love, one day. ❞

❝ I know there is blood and war between us, that we have both lost much, but I do not wish for either of us to feel like this union is a prison. I wish for love — or respect, at the very least. ❞

❝ We are the last ones alive after years of war. This match was meant to unify our enemy bloodlines and end the conflict, no more — so why is it I find myself caring for you? ❞

❝ Your mother and I married for love, but we are the exception, not the rule. ❞

❝ I want to elope, like mother and father did. ❞

❝ We are already betrothed — why not marry right now? ❞

❝ We were meant for each other from the moment we were born. I would make you my wife right this instant, should that be your wish. ❞

❝ I hadn't dared dream an arranged match would find me a wife I now love more than life itself. ❞

❝ If I believed such things, I would say we were always meant to be. ❞

❝ My betrothed is sweet — but I long for deep, passionate, all-consuming love, not sweet. ❞

❝ If you want my love, show me your devotion. ❞

❝ Is it evil that I'm unsure I can love him? He is perfectly suitable, but... ❞

❝ I do not think he can love me. We get along well enough, but something is missing. ❞

❝ We have fire in our blood. There will never be love between us if he fears the flames. ❞

❝ The sea is in our blood. He can only love me if he is brave enough to navigate the waves. ❞

❝ We are rulers of the skies. How could he ever love someone who lacks her own wings? ❞

STRIFE

❝ You refuse me to give yourself to a peasant?! ❞

❝ I understand not wanting me, but favoring a commoner instead? I should kill him for daring to get close to you. ❞

❝ You are mine now. Act properly. ❞

❝ Who you loved before is meaningless. We are married now, and your lover will remain in the past. ❞

❝ I am your wife! I will not be humiliated like this. ❞

❝ Do not forget who I am, my lord. Married though we may be, I'm a crown princess still — and my family shall not take kindly to you mistreating me. ❞

❝ Am I so inadequate as your wife that you need to seek another's bed? ❞

❝ I know peace and politics dictated our marriage, but must you avoid me so? ❞

❝ Leave me be. I fulfill my marital duties as required, but I am not bound to give anything more. ❞

❝ You did not want me, and I did not want you. We agreed on that. So why are you so offended I enjoy the company of another when you yourself do the same? ❞

❝ What do you wish of me, husband? Is it not enough to have the last of my living kin locked in her chambers? To sit the throne you have taken from my father? What more can you desire from me? ❞

❝ I hate this place. It will never be home, and I will never love you. ❞

❝ You are my wife. I would not see my lady wife looking miserable for all court to see. ❞

❝ You are my queen. Do you realize how many other maidens would kill to be in your place, even as you sulk about it? ❞

❝ My own brother, taking my wife to bed? I did not expect such a betrayal from the two of you. ❞

❝ My sister was the better option, I know. You would have preferred she was the one given to you, but alas, we cannot always have what we want. ❞

❝ The man I most despise in this world, and you see it fit to spend time in his company?! I cannot accept it from my betrothed. ❞

❝ You are my betrothed. I would know what you were doing with him. ❞

❝ My lord should know I will not take kindly to mistresses once we are wedded. ❞

❝ You are mine — or will be, soon enough. Do not dare even look at another. ❞

❝ This was my home once, and you ruined it. ❞

ARRANGEMENTS

❝ You will not give my only child to that monster! ❞

❝ It's insulting that you would even suggest a match so beneath my daughter. ❞

❝ She is a princess. She won’t be wed to someone lesser. ❞

❝ You marry our daughter to whomever you desire, when my corpse is cold in my grave, husband. ❞

❝ He will marry the one we chose, not that peasant! ❞

❝ Wed your son to my daughter, or my daughter to your son — better yet, both. Our bloodlines should be joined as one. ❞

❝ Our daughters and your sons. Wouldn't it be lovely to have them wedded? ❞

❝ My granddaughter should sooner slit that man's throat than share his bed. I should advise her to do just that. ❞

❝ My daughter will marry him, for the good of the realm. I do not care how old he is. ❞

❝ You will do as you’re told and marry them! ❞

❝ We picked the best match available for you. ❞

❝ It is the best we managed. I am sorry you don’t like them, but there was no other way. ❞

❝ You are a princess. You will have to agree to a match eventually. ❞

❝ There are so many good proposals! How come none is to your tastes? ❞

❝ Our bloodline must continue, and for that, you need to marry and have heirs. ❞

❝ I will never let them ship you off to a stranger. ❞

❝ You will not be sold for power like I was. ❞

❝ I won’t let them trade you for their alliance! ❞

❝ The arrangement was made when you were both still children. It is much too late to go back on it. ❞

❝ Only kings would be worthy of you. We will accept no less on your behalf. ❞

❝ It is a good match, better than expected. You will marry her. ❞

❝ My daughter will not marry him. I do not care that he's a prince, nor that it could aid in building peace. That boy will not have her. ❞

❝ I do not care if you would go through with it. I would die before letting that boy have you — better yet, I would rather kill him. ❞

❝ They did not honor their word. I know that for years you expected to marry him, but we are calling off the betrothal. ❞

❝ She will make a fine queen and a fine mother. And she is the only adequate match for you besides, whether you like it or not. ❞

❝ We need to find a suitable match for her, before she brings dishonor upon herself. ❞

❝ They have been betrothed for years. It is time we marry them, I should think. ❞

❝ You shall be wedded soon. His claim will be more secure with suitable heirs of his own. ❞

BEGINNINGS

❝ You are not at all what I imagined. ❞

❝ I know you hold no love for me. How could you when we are practically strangers? And I know we may never come to love each other, but we can at least be friends. ❞

❝ The descriptions I heard did not do justice to your beauty. ❞

❝ You are lovely. I am lucky you are to be wed to me. ❞

❝ I must admit I expected far worse from an arranged marriage. ❞

❝ I want to know you better if we are to be wed. Tell me about the things you like. ❞

❝ Am I not what you expected? ❞

❝ You seem disappointed… I may not be as handsome as you expected, but I shall never treat you unkindly. ❞

❝ This is your home too, now. You are free to go wherever you wish. ❞

❝ How odd we have been betrothed for so long but never saw each other before our wedding day. ❞

❝ It's good, to finally put a face to the name I heard spoken so often. ❞

❝ What can I possibly do to thaw the ice surrounding my lovely bride? ❞

❝ I have not seen you smile since we met, princess. What grave sin have I committed to be met with such derision? ❞

❝ I loathe to admit that even your traitor's blood cannot diminish how beautiful you are. ❞

❝ Beautiful, as well as clever. Were you not the usurper's daughter, I may have come to love you. ❞

❝ So very charming. Were you not sitting my father's throne, I may have taken some liking to you. ❞

❝ We've met before, I know, I know. But can we not make this a new beginning? ❞

❝ I should like to put our differences behind us, difficult though it may be. We are to be wedded, after all. Let this be a new beginning. ❞

❝ I hope, in time, this will be your home. ❞

❝ Know that I shall fulfill every duty to you, as your wife. ❞

❝ I know there are prettier brides, but I'll do all that is expected of me most dutifully. ❞

THE MATCHED

❝ In just a few days I will be wed to someone I never met. ❞

❝ It's so odd to think my entire life will change so fast. A person I don’t even know, bound to me for life. ❞

❝ I know they plan to marry me off to someone soon, even if no one said a thing yet. ❞

❝ How could you agree to this without even asking me what I want? ❞

❝ I do not wish to leave home. My betrothed lives in such a different place… ❞

❝ We have been promised to each other for years, and yet we have never met. ❞

❝ They are deciding your life for you! How can you simply accept it?! ❞

❝ There is no reason to make a fuss. I have known for years that someday I would be married to some stranger my family found suitable. ❞

❝ What do you think your betrothed will be like? ❞

❝ Who do you think they'll marry us to? ❞

❝ What do you think of your betrothed so far? You two seemed to get along. ❞

❝ He is so gallant! I hope they choose him for me. ❞

❝ Wouldn't she make a lovely bride? I would not mind marrying her. ❞

❝ I begged mother to marry [name] instead, but she didn't do anything to change my fate. ❞

❝ I begged them to marry you instead. I know we could have been happy together. ❞

❝ I'm glad you are the one they chose for me. ❞

❝ Were it anyone else, I might rebel. You, I shall gladly marry. ❞

❝ We have been promised for years. Shouldn't we be married already? ❞

❝ I know it is the way of things, but to have a betrothal announced like that... I wasn't expecting it. ❞

❝ He was wedded once before. How can I ever live up to the wife he had before? ❞

❝ What is my betrothed like? ❞

❝ Do I have any say on it? At least give me options and allow me to choose. ❞

FOR THE FAMILIES

❝ Through them, we shall finally join our bloodlines! ❞

❝ Our children make quite the pair. I am glad they seem to get along so easily. ❞

❝ It's a bitter thing, to join hands after everything. More bitter still that it is at the cost of my child's happiness. ❞

❝ Pray your child treats mine well. I will not abide anything less. ❞

❝ He is kind, brave, gentle, strong. Your daughter will be in good hands. ❞

❝ She makes a lovely bride. Lovelier than he deserves. ❞

❝ Poison would be best, but hard to come by. Slit his throat in his sleep and rid yourself of the filth they forced you to marry. ❞

❝ I cannot do as you wish, my love. That decision is beyond me. ❞

❝ As women, we control so little of our fate. ❞

❝ You will one day be his lady, and occupy my place as head of the house alongside your lord husband. A great responsibility, but one I know you shall bear well. ❞

❝ My daughter is what I have of most precious. I pray you cherish her as she deserves. ❞

❝ No alliance will make me accept you as family. You are undeserving of my child. ❞

❝ The king may have ruled in favor of this match, but I have half a mind to slay you where you stand before you can get anywhere near my daughter. ❞

❝ I don't care for peace, I will not give my daughter to the likes of you. ❞

❝ My son will have a fitting queen. Nothing less will suffice. ❞

❝ Sweetling, there's no need for tears. We may not marry for love, but we learn to bear it. ❞

❝ My gentle boy. Would that you could live the romance your heart yearns for. ❞

❝ This will be hard, but if anyone can make it work, I know you can, my child. ❞

❝ None of us could hope to be half as charming as you. If you wish to gain your husband's affection, I'm certain you will succeed. ❞

❝ Do you truly think I'd let my child be married to a monster? Of course I got rid of him. ❞

❝ There is bad blood between our families, but I promise you shall never be treated unkindly here. ❞

❝ Now that you two are wedded, I am hoping for grandchildren soon. ❞

AMBITION AND ALLIANCES

❝ A title is all I am to you. Don't pretend otherwise. ❞

❝ You married me for my claim, I know that! I just thought, given time, we could grow to be fond of each other. ❞

❝ Remember what is at stake. Peace relies on our union. ❞

❝ Both our lands benefit from our match – and I know you will be a good queen. ❞

❝ We were wed for an alliance, but this doesn’t need to be terrible. We can at least be friends. ❞

❝ I married you for your title. I do not care for love. ❞

❝ It would be naive to think a single union will end decades of conflict. This is just the beginning. ❞

❝ They found me someone rich to marry! I will finally have everything I want. ❞

❝ I do not care my betrothed is not handsome – I only care that he is rich. ❞

❝ With this match, I will be queen. ❞

❝ Our marriage strengthens your claim. They cannot quest your heirs, undoubtedly of pure, old blood. ❞

❝ I would marry anyone to become royalty. ❞

❝ This will save our house from doom. ❞

❝ Our son remains unmarried. We may yet use this to form a valuable alliance. ❞

❝ What we decide here is the future of the realm. It needs to be a carefully considered match. ❞

❝ You gained a bride of undisputed lineage for your son. We gained a crown for our daughter. A superb arrangement for all involved, I dare say. ❞

IMPOSSIBLE LOVES

❝ My heart is yours, but we cannot be together. My family would never agree to a match like this. ❞

❝ I too am in love with someone else, but they will never allow me to marry my beloved. Why don’t we make an agreement? ❞

❝ The match is already made but I cannot accept it. I love you! ❞

❝ It is you I love! I could not bear to be with them instead. ❞

❝ Marrying them will give the realm peace. I have to agree to the match, even if you are the one I truly love. ❞

❝ I will never love him as much as I love you. ❞

❝ You would be my choice — but you know the choice is not mine to make. ❞

❝ I'm the heir to the throne. I cannot give up on everything for love. ❞

❝ My father wrote. He said... he said — I am to be married. To — oh gods, he wants to marry me to your brother. ❞

❝ Marry me. I care not if you are beneath my station, I want you. ❞

❝ Would you still have me? I love you, but I know the match made for you would be better. ❞

❝ If you do love me as I love you, marry me. Now. ❞

❝ They cannot make me marry him if we are married already. ❞

❝ You're a prince. We can surely find someone who will agree to wed us if you ask. ❞

❝ Marry me. Your betrothed can do nothing if I've already taken you to wife. ❞

❝ I'll duel him for your hand. ❞

❝ They already whisper about us. Why deny ourselves the pleasure when we're already condemned for the sin? ❞

❝ Only a [family name] can love a [family name]. ❞

❝ As much as I love you, I have nothing. I could give you nothing but my love. ❞

❝ If I can't have you, I shall love only the gods. ❞

❝ If I cannot have her, I shall take no wife and father no children. ❞

❝ Do you have any idea of how torturous that would be? To see you every day, knowing you can never be mine? ❞

❝ I'll make you mine. I won't let you be given to anyone else. ❞

❝ Take no wife. Refuse it. Even if we cannot marry, stay with me. ❞

❝ Promise me you'll never love her. Promise me your heart will remain mine. ❞