Forums » General Roleplay » An Arranged Marriage (1x1)

Raphael had rarely felt so uncomfortable in his own room before. He took a breath, then moved to sit at the corner of his bed. "Come, have a seat." He motioned her over to take a spot next to him. He was going to try to break the ice much better than their parents had. Two people can't feel so terribly awkward in their own home. "Our introduction could have been better. Shall we.. start over?" It would be hard to do so, already having been wed.

Anastasia walked over and sat delicately upon the spot he had indicated. She glanced at him as he spoke, debating her answer. "If you would like, m'lord." At least she was taught respectfulness to her husband. Well, rather it seemed like complete submissiveness, but through that came respect. She looked away from him after she finished speaking, her hands resting in her lap now. So for the time being, she simply looked at her hands.

Raphael knew that starting over wasn't completely possible. It was merely a gesture. Almost an apology for her. But he didn't quite know how to put what he wanted to say into words. "I imagine this is less than ideal for you." He did his best to think of her, because, he could only imagine if he were in a situation like hers. Though, most young men in his situation would also be focused on her- merely more on what was beneath her robe.

Anastasia resisted the urge to scoff, roll her eyes, or do any such thing. Sarcasm was bitten back, and she managed a polite response. "I've always known it would happen. I was prepared for it my whole life, really." But yet she was so scared of him at that moment that she simply couldn't move. No matter how she tried to rationalize it, no matter if it was for the people or not, she just couldn't bring herself to do it. She knew she HAD to though. All of these thoughts and all of these emotions stayed locked up in her mind and heart; she didn't say anything else. She only spoke after he talked to her first. (I do need sleep soon, but I want to try to get in a couple more posts.)

Raphael felt as if these were generic responses she would spout after he spoke. Of course, he didn't know her well enough to be sure. Again, he didn't really know her at all. He figured she probably knew what most expected to happen on the night of a wedding. Aside from the fact that she was almost a complete stranger, he was more than a little nervous about that. The two issues combined made it worse. Though, there was a possible solution. After a pause he would speak up again. "Would you rather just go to sleep tonight?" An odd question coming from someone in his position.

Anastasia looked at him, but this time in shock. She stared for a few moments before she could compose herself enough to speak. "But...they'll talk. They'll ask, and if we tell them we just went to sleep, they'd get angry, and--" She silenced herself quickly, realizing that her mouth had run away with her. It was Raphael's first glimpse at the real Anastasia. "..if that is what you prefer, m'lord, then that is perfectly fine."

Raphael caught her. He crossed his arms. "No, it's not perfectly fine." Well, not according to her during the small outburst. "You're afraid of what the others will think?" He asked, tilting his head slightly in thought. He hadn't thought about that. His parents didn't strike him as the type to have the servants ask about such a thing, but now that he thought about it he wasn't sure. Though, to be perfectly honest, it didn't matter much what they thought. At least, not to him.

Anastasia fiddled with her fingers. "W...well..it's our duty. To... And tomorrow, they'll probably ask about it. Our parents. And if we didn't do it, didn't do our duty, they'll be..unhappy." She didn't look up at him. "I'm...not afraid of what they'll think. I'm afraid of what they'll do." She could honestly see her parents throwing them both into the bedroom, stark naked, to just let natural instinct take over and do the rest. Anastasia shivered and pulled the robe a little closer around her just thinking about it. She wasn't going to let that happen. But was the only way to avoid it bedding with her husband? She could feel her defenses growing weak. After the day she had, she just wanted to cry. But she couldn't. She wouldn't let herself. (I gotta go to sleep now. I'll be posting throughout the day tomorrow Ttyl!)

(continuing from text. x3)

Anastasia looked at him for a moment, listening and nodding as he mentioned getting dressed. She walked over to where her clothes had been moved to as well, looking at him when he asked her a question. She debated the answer, fiddling with the fabric on the dress she was going to wear. In fact, she debated so long that he might make the decision himself. She really wasn't sure which should be done in this kind of situation. Her training didn't cover this! "If that is what you wish, m'lord." She finally said.

Raphael took his time skimming through his options. Most were militaristic outfits given to him by his father. He wasn't the martial type, but it was usually the style the males in his family wore. Finally he chose one, a more simplistic outfit, though still fit for royalty. Just not so.. flashy. No cape, no fur trim. "I was asking what you wish-" She might see this as an opportunity to get more used to each other, but she may not be ready for it.

Anastasia did indeed see it as an opportunity to get used to each other, but she also certainly wasn't ready for it. "...yes please." she murmured at last. She hated this. Being so submissive, feeling so awkward, being unable to say what she truly felt. It had only been one night and already the feelings were bubbling up inside her, urging her slowly towards an emotional explosion. Once he gave her privacy, she would get dressed in her gown. Then she went out and brushed her hair in front of the mirror, making sure she was all pretty and princess-like before she went out for breakfast.

Once she was ready, she simply stood by the side and waited for him to be ready as well.

Raphael wouldn't take long to prepare himself. His hair was short enough not to require much maintenance, just a quick preen in the mirror. He went off for his own privacy as well, changing into the approved Prince's casual attire. As with much of what his father gave to him, it was designed to look like a more regal version of a military officer's formal uniform. Once he was finished, he returned to his new wife, and offered his hand. "All done, m'lady?"

Anastasia simply gave a nod as response and took the offered hand. She was in a beautiful gown, fit for a princess, a dark violet in color with gold trim. She walked with him to the dining hall, where both their parents were waiting. Her parents smiled, hailing the new couple with a warm welcome. The father asked, in typical sly manly way, how last night had been. Meanwhile, Anastasia's mother fussed over how pretty she looked with someone like Raphael by her side.

Raphael led her to the hall where the breakfast would be held. His parents were there as well, but his father seemed preoccupied with other matters, speaking to his confidants over his meal. Always busy. Too busy to speak to his guests, even. Or his son. So, instead, he would make his way with his bride to the spot where her parents were seated. "Good Morning, your grace. " He greeted her father with a bow. "Ah, Last night was.. fine, thank you." He rose from his bow, releasing Anastasia's hand so that she could go to her mother if she wished. {Sorry for the delay}

Anastasia was quite relieved when her hand was let go of, and she hurried over to her mother. The two spoke quietly, her mother quite thrilled now that she was married. Her father smiled at Raphael and gestured for him to take a seat. "Good, good. Come, let us eat! My queen and I plan to leave before the noonday meal." He sat down, but Anastasia looked over in surprise. "So soon, father? Why not stay until evening?" She was desperate to not be abandoned by her parents so quickly. Her mother smiled and scolded her gently. "Now Anastasia, we know better than to meddle in the honeymoon time of our daughter and her new husband. Besides, we want to travel while it's light out, and your father can't be away from his throne too long."

Anastasia held back the disappointed sigh that wanted to come out, instead sitting down. Naturally, she was forced to sit beside Raphael. She tried to keep her expression calm and just focus on eating. She couldn't let her sadness be seen.

Raphael glanced over to his father before sitting down. Still busy. He sat, refusing any breakfast- but having one of the servants bring him some tea. At Anastasia's question, his eyes fell upon her mother for her answer. The answer was as he would expect. People as important as that rarely had time for extended trips. "You're certain the two of you cannot stay a single day more, your Grace?" He asked, taking the cup of tea he had just been delivered in his hand. He saw that their answer had upset her. Or at least, he thought he saw it. She wasn't entirely familiar to him yet. He didn't know all the subtle signs she gave off, but he was usually good at that thing. That was always his strong point. Observant and intelligent. The opposite of his father and late brother.

Anastasia's father laughed lightly and patted Raphael on the shoulder. "It's kind of you to ask us to stay longer, but we truly must be on our way. Besides, I'm sure there's plenty you two would like to do together." The couple smiled and continued eating, while Anastasia ate quietly to herself, keeping that calm expression on her face. Observant as he was, he might be able to notice her eyes. Her eyes were her weakness; she could not hide the emotions in them. And at the moment, her eyes showed simply sadness.

[Continue from text]

Raphael eyed her. Again, he didn't believe it. "Fair enough. Though, you may find me rather welcoming were you to open your mouth and speak your mind." He didn't quite see why she wouldn't just come out and speak honestly now that they were alone. She may not trust him. And for that, he couldn't blame her. Torn from your home and forced to marry a stranger. One may not want to open up to such a person.

Anastasia looked at him. "I am speaking my mind." She had to be convincing. Her training taught her that, no matter what, she had to look happy and content, as if she had it all together and everything was fine. So that was what she was going to stick to. She couldn't let him try to pry the weaknesses out of her. He was probably trying to get her to reveal herself as emotional so that he could complain to his father about how she wasn't fit to be queen. Then they'd get her locked away somewhere 'for her own health', and he'd be able to rule the empire by herself. Anastasia was not going to let that happen.

Raphael decided to change the subject. He wasn't getting anywhere with the current one. "Do you think they believed it? About last night?" He didn't think his own father would. He didn't know about her parents. He had a feeling his mother might take an interest. She was highly concerned about their bloodline. Since his brother died and he became an only child, anyway. "They didn't seem to ask too much about it, anyway."