"This is ridiculous.."

Giyu growled under his breath as he paced the grand halls of his castle, the sound of his heavy footfalls echoing through the cavernous space. The steady rhythm broken up only by the faint 'tick-tocks' coming from the towering clocks scattered throughout the castle. Each one mocking. Reminding him of his inevitable doom.

He was the next heir to the throne over the Kingdom of Catavina. And wasn't necessarily thrilled about it. He never was into the royal life, although he rarely complained aloud about it.

There was no use in it. It wasn't going to change anything.

Trust me, he tried.

He'd expected things to come along with this kind of lifestyle, doing things he didn't want to. But arranged marriage was something that stupidly hadn't crossed his mind.

Your father and his were close. Back in their younger years they went hunting, rode horses, and attended balls together. Their duties kept them apart more, but they always managed to squeeze in the time to bond over glasses of wine in their studies that were big enough to be a public library.

And over one of their bonding sessions, the conversation of their children came up. Sparking the idea of an arranged marriage. It was a benefit for them. As they could merge the kingdoms, have more power, and control over the lands. It was excellent.

If Giyu wasn't so damn stubborn.

Being played like he was some piece in a game of chess wasn't something out of the ordinary.

But marriage?

To hell with that.

He didn't want to be in any sort of relationship at all. In the past, when his father so desperately tried to get him wed with princesses all across the world it failed. He always turned them away, by either blatantly ignoring them, or sending them running back home in tears.

But this time he didn't have a choice.

His father already had the date planned, and was already getting your wedding dress and his suit tailored. His father knew the reluctance that'd come from his son. So he went ahead and got everything prepared regardless.

Slick bastard.

Giyu's jaw clenched with barely concealed fury. His eyes narrowing as he shot a cold glare at the butler standing in the corner.

"Christ. When the hell is that woman going to be here?"

Giyu snapped, causing the butler to flinch and shift uncomfortably. He cleared his throat and averted his gaze, adjusting his tie.

"Er.. Sorry, Prince.. I-I.. the messenger said soon.. Just be patient-"

The stammered and nervous reply only served to further irk the already agitated Prince. He gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists.

"She's gonna be here soon, huh? Be patient, hm?"

Giyu mocked, taking a step forward and causing the butler to cower against the wall.

"Listen here you lowly, worthl-"

Giyu's words were cut short as the large, double doors swung open, revealing you in the doorway beside your advisor. His body tensed and he turned away from the butler to face you.

The silence was loud, only broken by the rapid breathing of the still shaken up butler, although Giyu paid no mind to it. All his attention on you.