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

Anastasia considered the question. "I do. At least for now. They might ask more questions about it later, but father thinks it is inappropriate to talk about such things in a public area. He may pull you aside and ask you about it. Mother will probably do the same to me." She sighed slightly and finished eating. They could only get away with lying for a limited amount of time. But even just sharing a bed with him was something she didn't like.

Raphael shrugged. "Well, when they're gone, we won't have to worry about that." He said it softly, not to emphasize that her parents were leaving. "But my mother may bother us on the subject. She... really wants grandchildren." He cast his eyes away from her. Casually, he finished his tea, placing the cup back on the table. "We'll manage." He said after a long pause. He was smart. He was confident he could think of something.

Anastasia secretly took in a deep breath and let it out, then she spoke. "We should just do it. It's our duty, it shouldn't be something we lie about. It's necessary, it's expected out of both of us, and it's a natural part of marriage. We should just do it." She spoke calmly, but even she was amazed at how her head could triumph over her heart. What she was talking about was the very last thing in the world that she wanted. But she supposed she was more afraid of what would happen if it was found out they hadn't consummated their marriage yet.
And if they weren't doing that until they were 'used to each other', then...well, she felt like they would probably never do it. She couldn't see herself feeling comfortable or happy with him any time soon.

Raphael hadn't been expecting that. He slowly leaned back in his seat, moving his arms from the table and crossing them over his chest. He let out a sigh. "I don't want to." It may seem odd to some that a young man wouldn't want to do such a thing- especially with his beautiful new bride. "I just don't." He would've added a 'not yet' to the end of his response, but decided against it. It wasn't that he didn't find her attractive. No, not at all. It was act itself. The thought of it made him... nervous. Not an uncommon thing to be nervous about, though he was intent on avoiding it until he felt like he was ready.

Anastasia was honestly...shocked. She stared at the table for a moment, trying to pull herself together. That was..blunt. Even though she didn't want to do it either, her mind instantly started searching for what was wrong with her. What WAS wrong with her? Why wouldn't he want to do it? Anastasia stood up abruptly. "I'm going to see if my mother needs any assistance in her preparations." She turned and walked out of the room. Even though it was something she wasn't willing to do, she couldn't help but have the feeling that she failed. It was her duty to give an heir at some point. But he just outright told her that he did not want to do such a thing. Even HIS mother wanted them to have children. So not only did she have her own mother that would be upset about this, but she had his mother too! And an entire kingdom!

Anastasia did go to see her mother, even if it had just been an excuse to get away from that dreaded new husband of hers. "Mother...Do you have to leave?" she asked. "Now Ana, no nonsense. You're married now, you need to be a good wife and stay by your husband's side. Remember what we've taught you?" Anastasia looked down. "Yes, mother. I remember." "Good. Now, go back him. You should never keep your husband waiting." "Yes, mother." Anastasia turned and slowly made her way back to the dining hall. She could already feel the seeds of hate festering inside her. It was his fault. Everything was his fault. All her life she'd been trained to be a 'perfect wife', all her life she'd had her own feelings squashed down and trampled on, just so that she could be HIS perfect little wife.

Raphael would still be there, sipping on another cup of tea. He wasn't alone, however. His mother stood near him, speaking in a hushed, but apparently harsh tone, judging from her facial expression. He was turned away from her. In fact, he seemed to be attempting to ignore her. It would be difficult to discern her words, since she was hardly speaking above a whisper. But if one listened close enough, she seemed to be speaking of his brother, comparing him to his deceased sibling. The specifics would be harder to make out. Raphael caught his wife out the corner of his eye. "Goodbye, mother." He finally spoke, cutting the woman off mid-sentence. She turned and saw Anastasia as well. She seemed somewhat annoyed, but gave the princess a respectful nod and left the room, swift for her age. Both of his parents were getting on in years though.

Raphael turned to her. "I hope I didn't offend you. Its.. nothing to do with you." He only spoke once his mother had fully exited the room.

Anastasia hesitantly entered, not wanting to interrupt their discussion. However, it seemed it was too late for that. She gave a nod and curtsy to the queen, then walked up to her husband, watching as his mother left the room. She was dying to ask what that had been about, but she didn't. Of course. "You did not. I simply realized my parents would be leaving soon and wished to lend my hand if they needed it." She didn't look at him, instead observing the room they were in. She didn't want to be here right now. It was hard to make small talk when one didn't want to be where one was.

Raphael set his cup down. "I don't believe you." He didn't throw that out accusingly, as if he expected a response to it. No, it was matter-of-factly. But he was certain he was right, so he didn't need her confirmation. "In any case, I'm sorry. And.." He paused, tapping his forearm, both arms returned to being folded across his chest. "My mother doesn't believe that we did anything last night. I don't know why. She's always been a suspicious person though."

Anastasia looked at him calmly, stomping down the emotions inside her. "It is the truth. You have every right to decide whether it happens or not. It is a decision that is up to you." When he mentioned about his mother not buying the lie, however, her face paled slightly and she looked away. "...what are we going to do?" There was no doubt his mother would come talk to HER about this as well. What would be even worse is if Raphael's mother told her mother.