Akari wandered through the garden, spotting Kuri sitting near the fountain, sulking. The little dragon, now in her human form, looked older than her actual four years—her rapid growth had made her look like an eight-year-old. It didn't escape Akari's notice that Kuri struggled to make friends her own age because of it.
"Kuri," Akari said, approaching her daughter, "we need to talk."
Kuri tilted her head curiously, her arms still crossed. "What is it, Mama?"
Akari crouched down beside her. "Your growth is too fast. It's making things harder for you, isn't it? I think it's time I fixed that."
Kuri's eyes went wide with alarm. "What do you mean fix it?"
"I'm going to stabilize your Noor and slow your aging. It might reverse your age a little bit," Akari explained gently.
Kuri jumped to her feet and backed away. "No! I like being big! I'm not going back to looking like a baby!"
Akari sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Kuri, this is for your own good."
"No!" Kuri stomped her foot and crossed her arms stubbornly.
Akari decided to try bribery. "What if I buy you cake? Extra chocolate with lots of frosting?"
Kuri raised an eyebrow, tempted for a moment, but quickly shook her head. "No cake! Papa, help!" she shouted.
Kuro, who had been passing by, paused and approached them. "What's going on here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at the scene.
"Mama wants to make me small again!" Kuri declared dramatically, running to hide behind him.
Kuro smirked, picking her up protectively. "Akari, what are you doing to our poor princess? Look at her face; she's devastated."
"Kuro, this is necessary," Akari said, crossing her arms. "She needs to grow at a normal pace."
Kuri peeked out from behind Kuro, her expression shifting from fear to slyness. "Okay, Mama, I'll let you do it... but only if you agree to my condition."
Akari narrowed her eyes. "What condition?"
Kuri grinned mischievously. "You and Papa have to get married!"
Kuro froze, nearly dropping her. "What?!" he exclaimed, staring at Kuri like she had sprouted another head.
Akari groaned, massaging her temples. "Kuri, you've been trying to make this happen for two years now. Let it go already."
Kuri ignored her, turning to Kuro with big, pleading eyes. "Papa, don't you think you and Mama should be together? You love each other! I just want a proper family! And, and—I want to wear the same dress as Mama at the wedding!"
Kuro tried to speak but was too flustered to form coherent words. "I—what—Kuri, this isn't how things work—"
"Don't lie, Papa! I've been working hard for two years to make you two realize you're perfect for each other! You're welcome, by the way."
Kuro stared at Akari, blinking rapidly as if he couldn't quite process what she was saying. "Hey, you must be kidding, right?" he asked, still confused.
Akari gave him a small, wry smile. "Nah, I think it will be beneficial. The heir problem is already solved; we have Kuri. She looks exactly like us. We can say she's our daughter, even though she's only four years old. No one really knows except a few that Kuri is a dragon. We can say we loved each other before, and that she's our child. We could create a scandal to end the chaos, and our relationship can be... contractual."
Kuro's eyes widened, processing the thought. "Wait, what? You want to fake a relationship and make everyone think Kuri's our biological daughter?"
Akari nodded, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Exactly. It'll give the people what they want and stop the fighting. Plus, we don't really have to do anything more than pretend. And, who knows? I might even give you a chance after we pull it off."
Kuro stood there for a moment, still in shock, then sighed deeply. "I can't believe you're actually suggesting this. But, it's not like we have many other options right now, huh?"
Akari shrugged nonchalantly, her usual teasing smile returning. "What's the worst that could happen? We'll just tell everyone it's 'for the good of the kingdom.'"
Kuro chuckled, albeit nervously. "Yeah, right... a royal fake marriage for the greater good. This is gonna be a mess."
Akari grinned. "You're getting the hang of it already, Kuro. Now, let's get to work."
When Akari and Kuro approached the king with their plan, they explained everything in detail. The king listened intently, his face serious as they spoke, but there was a twinkle in his eyes as he pieced everything together.
Once they finished explaining, the king leaned back in his chair with a deep sigh and chuckled softly. "Well, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd come up with something like this," he said, his voice filled with amusement. "But honestly, it makes perfect sense. The people will accept it, and it might be the only way to settle everything peacefully."
Akari smiled slyly. "I'm glad you understand, Your Majesty. It'll bring order and stop the chaos."
Kuro, still a bit unsure about the whole thing, nodded. "It's the only option left for us to keep the peace and avoid a bigger conflict."
The king, clearly pleased with their plan, gave a warm smile. "I wish you two would end up together in real life, too. You make a good team, and I think deep down, you both know it."
Akari's eyes widened slightly, and she blushed. "Your Majesty, I—"
Kuro looked at her, half-grinning and half-squirming. "I... I think you're getting ahead of yourself, old man."
The king chuckled, his laughter filling the room. "Trust me, I've seen the way you two are around each other. I know love when I see it." He stood up and motioned to them. "Now, go on. Make this work for the good of the kingdom. I'm rooting for you both."
With that, Akari and Kuro left the king's chambers, both feeling a little awkward but strangely reassured. The king's words hung in the air, a hint of hope in the midst of their complicated situation.
The public meeting was held in the grand hall, and the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. The entire kingdom gathered to hear the king's decision, and whispers buzzed through the crowd. As Akari, Kuro, and little Kuri stepped up to the stage, all eyes were on them.
The king stood tall at the podium, his voice steady and calm. "Today, we are here to announce the future of this kingdom. After careful consideration and deliberation, it has been decided that the next rulers of this land will be none other than Akari and Kuro. Their leadership will guide us into a new era."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd, but the king continued. "Not only will they be the rulers, but they will also be married soon. To further strengthen their position and unite the kingdom, they have a daughter, Kuri, who will one day inherit the throne. Together, they will lead us into a prosperous future."
The crowd erupted in applause, with cheers and excitement filling the air. The news outlets had been buzzing with speculation for days, but now it was official. The headlines would write themselves: "Akari and Kuro: The Royal Couple of the Future", "The Power Couple That Will Lead Us to Glory", and of course, "The Kingdom's New Heir: Kuri, the Future Queen".
For many, this was a dream come true. The shippers, who had been rooting for Akari and Kuro for years, were over the moon. Fans waved banners, chanting their names, and even some of the royal staff couldn't help but smile at the union. The excitement and relief were palpable as the crowd cheered.
But not everyone was thrilled. A small faction in the crowd, those who had hoped for other candidates to rule or had secretly harbored their own desires to become the ruler's spouse, couldn't hide their disappointment. A few of them grumbled under their breath, casting jealous glances toward the newly crowned royal couple. Though their disappointment was overshadowed by the overall joy, their resentment was still clear to see.
Akari glanced around at the crowd, her expression unreadable, but her eyes softened as she looked down at Kuri, who was smiling brightly, her tiny hand clutching Akari's. Kuro, standing beside her, gave her a subtle nod, his usual cool demeanor barely hiding the warmth he felt. They had made it this far, and despite the challenges ahead, they were ready to face whatever came their way.
As the applause continued, Akari turned to Kuro and whispered, "Well, this is really happening."
Kuro, ever the sarcastic one, smirked. "Looks like we're stuck with each other."
And in that moment, despite the weight of the title, they both knew they would make it work—together.
The wedding preparations were in full swing, and Akari and Kuro found themselves in a whirlwind of awkward moments that they couldn't escape. The most dreaded part of it all? The pre-wedding photoshoot.
"Alright, Akari, Kuro, let's get started!" the photographer announced, adjusting his camera. "Big smiles, please, and let's make this look like a fairytale romance!"
Akari couldn't help but wince internally. The idea of pretending to be in love, especially when she knew Kuro's feelings, was uncomfortable. But there was no backing out now.
Kuro, meanwhile, had his usual calm demeanor, but it was clear he was a bit flustered. His face flushed whenever he had to get too close to Akari, and every time the photographer called for a more intimate pose, he looked like he might spontaneously combust. Still, he kept it cool—on the outside, at least.
"Okay, now let's do one with you two looking deeply into each other's eyes," the photographer instructed.
Kuro froze. "Uhh... right, okay..." he mumbled, eyes darting around for a quick escape. But the photographer wasn't having it.
"No, no, no, Kuro. I need you to look at Akari, lovingly! Loving gaze, remember?"
Akari suppressed a laugh as Kuro's eyes slowly turned toward her. She could see him trying to maintain his composure, but his usual confidence was nowhere to be found. His expression was somewhere between a nervous wreck and a man on the brink of a meltdown.
"Like this?" Kuro asked, barely meeting her gaze, his eyes wide.
"Perfect!" the photographer clapped, clearly pleased. "Now, Akari, you have to look like you're madly in love too. Can you give us a more... loving expression?"
Akari, for her part, didn't mind the idea of pretending to be in love with Kuro, especially considering the awkward situation. But the moment he looked at her, she could feel the tension in the air. She could see it in his eyes: he was a mix of embarrassed, flustered, and trying desperately to stay composed.
"Alright," Akari said, forcing a smile. She leaned in a little closer, just enough to match the photographer's vision of a perfect couple. "I think we're doing great, Kuro."
Kuro's eye twitched. "Yeah, sure... totally."
The photographer suddenly clapped again. "Perfect, perfect! Now, Akari, let's have you rest your head on Kuro's shoulder. Kuro, be a little more... protective, like you're holding her tight."
Akari blinked, taken aback. "What?"
Kuro's face immediately turned a deeper shade of red. "Wait, what? Um, okay..." He awkwardly moved his arm around her, but it wasn't the smooth, natural embrace you'd expect from a couple. It looked more like a guy who had never held a girl in his life trying to figure out which body part went where.
"Uh, Akari, you okay?" Kuro asked, a little panicked. His arms stiffened as he awkwardly tried to adjust to the position.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just… trying not to laugh," she said with a slight chuckle. "This is kind of… new."
"Yeah… same," Kuro muttered, still not sure what to do with his hands. "Is it too late to run away?"
"Not if you want to end up in a scandal," Akari teased, leaning into him just slightly more to make the shot look good. "We might as well commit to the act."
The photographer, of course, caught every moment, his camera flashing nonstop. "Perfect! Now, one more, but this time, Kuro, I want you to kiss Akari's cheek. Just a soft peck, okay?"
Kuro nearly choked on his own saliva. "A-what?!"
Akari's eyes widened. "Hold on, I thought we were just pretending—"
"Just go with it, Akari!" Kuro whispered frantically, his face practically on fire. "We'll be done soon, I swear."
Akari raised an eyebrow but, seeing how much Kuro was panicking, she sighed and leaned in a little. "Fine, but this better not end up on some gossip page," she muttered.
Kuro hesitated but then, after a long pause, placed a soft kiss on her cheek. The instant his lips brushed her skin, his entire face turned a deep shade of crimson, and he froze like a deer in headlights.
The photographer snapped the shot, pleased with the outcome. "Great! Perfect shot! We'll make sure to use this one for the wedding invitations!"
Akari chuckled under her breath. "Well, I think we might have a scandal on our hands after all."
"At this point, I'm not even surprised," Kuro mumbled, looking like he might melt into a puddle of embarrassment.
As the photoshoot came to an end, both of them couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and awkwardness. They were far from being a "perfect couple," but for now, they'd do what they had to do. The public would see what they wanted to see, and they would play along.
But deep down, both Akari and Kuro knew that this "pretend" romance might not be as fake as they'd once thought.
The wedding preparations were reaching their final stages, and Akari and Kuro found themselves busy with last-minute details. They had spent a lot of time together in the two weeks leading up to the ceremony, but the last week had been a bit of a blur. Akari had been preoccupied with finalizing everything, while Kuro had been caught up in his own thoughts, trying to figure out how to manage his feelings for her amidst all the chaos.
The invitations had been sent out far and wide, bringing guests from all corners of the five kingdoms. It was a royal affair—everyone had to be there, whether they liked it or not. Akari had received a few surprises along the way, especially when she saw who was attending.
First, there was Orpheus, the newly crowned king of the Kingdom of Shadows. Akari hadn't seen him in a while, and his presence here was a bit of a shock. Despite the formalities, she could sense his displeasure the moment he entered the room. He put on a polite smile, but his eyes were sharp, like a hawk observing its prey. "So this is how it's going to be?" he muttered under his breath. The tension was clear as he glanced over at Kuro and then at Akari. She didn't know if it was just jealousy or something more complicated, but his disapproval was palpable.
Next came the Mermaid Queen. Akari couldn't help but stare as the queen emerged from a small pool of water in the royal courtyard, her flowing light blue hair shimmering under the sunlight. Her long, iridescent tail shimmered as she gracefully glided out, but when she set foot on land, her tail transformed into human legs. Akari blinked in surprise. "I didn't know mermaids could do that," she whispered to Kuro. He only shrugged, clearly trying to ignore the tension in the air. The Mermaid Queen's smile was warm, but there was a sharpness behind her eyes that hinted at unspoken words.
And then there were the other rulers. The human king, a stout man with a hearty laugh, walked in with a large entourage. Despite his boisterous nature, Akari could see the flicker of discomfort in his eyes when he glanced at the wedding preparations. He wasn't exactly thrilled about Akari marrying Kuro, but he masked it behind his usual jovial facade.
Finally, there was the shapeshifter king, whose every movement seemed calculated, smooth, and deliberate. His people had always been on the fringes of politics, and although they had gained a bit more recognition lately, there was no denying that the shapeshifters were still considered outsiders in many ways. His appearance at the wedding was more of a formal obligation than a heartfelt gesture, and Akari could feel the weight of his unspoken judgment hanging in the air.
As they all mingled in the grand hall, Akari couldn't help but notice the undercurrent of dissatisfaction. Everyone had their reasons for being here, but none of them seemed particularly thrilled about her marriage to Kuro. The entire event felt like a political move, even if the love between her and Kuro had started to feel more real than either of them anticipated.
Akari found herself stepping away from the group, retreating to a quieter corner of the hall. The weight of their expectations and judgments felt like it was suffocating her. She didn't want to deal with the whispers, the gossip, the pressure. She glanced out of the window and saw Kuro standing alone, his back to her. His expression was unreadable, but she knew he was feeling the same pressure.
As if on cue, Kuro turned around and caught her gaze. He gave her a small, reassuring smile—one that said everything would be okay, even though neither of them knew exactly how.
"Akari," he said, walking over to her. "You okay?"
Akari nodded, trying to force a smile. "Just... thinking about everything, you know?"
"Yeah, I get it," Kuro said, his voice quieter now. "But whatever happens, we've got this. We're in it together."
Akari felt a small flutter in her chest. Despite the awkwardness, despite the looming expectations, there was a part of her that truly believed in what they had. Maybe they didn't know exactly what the future would hold, but for once, Akari felt a sense of calm in Kuro's presence.
"Thanks, Kuro," she said softly.
But just as they were about to say something more, a loud voice boomed from across the room. It was Orpheus, his tone sharp as he caught sight of them standing together.
"So, this is really happening, huh? The ruler of the kingdom of angels marrying... a half specie?" His eyes gleamed with something dark, though he kept a polite smile on his face.
Akari's blood ran cold. There it was—the challenge, the disapproval. But she wasn't going to back down. Not this time.
"We're not just doing it for the crown, Orpheus," Akari said firmly, her voice steady. "We're doing it because it's what we've chosen. And as for the kingdom of angels... I'll rule it however I see fit."
The tension in the air thickened, but before Orpheus could retort, Kuro stepped in. "Akari's right. We've made our choice. And we're not asking for anyone's approval."
For the first time that evening, Orpheus faltered. He didn't say another word. Instead, he turned away, his dissatisfaction still hanging over him like a dark cloud.
As the evening went on, the other rulers watched the exchange quietly. Some were more vocal in their disapproval, but none could deny the determination in Akari's and Kuro's eyes. They were in this together. And no matter what the kingdoms thought, nothing was going to tear them apart.
The night dragged on, filled with uncomfortable glances and whispered conversations, but through it all, Akari and Kuro remained resolute. This wedding—this union—wasn't just about politics. It was about their future, and nothing would take that from them. Not even the judgment of kings.
The wedding day finally arrived, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The royal palace was bustling with preparations, servants rushing around, and guests making their final arrivals. Akari and Kuro were both sent to their respective chambers to get ready for the ceremony, which was to be held in traditional angel style.
The ceremony would be simple but deeply symbolic. The central ritual would involve both Akari and Kuro drinking the pure water of clouds, a sacred drink that was said to bind two souls together. Everything else was like a normal wedding—exchanging vows, a dance, and then the celebration afterward. However, the ritual of the cloud water was something only angels and those of great power were allowed to partake in, marking their union as extraordinary.
As Akari prepared in her chamber, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She had been through so much in her life already, so much loss and heartbreak. But here she was, about to marry Kuro—someone who had stood by her side through everything. Despite the awkwardness, the political undertones of their marriage, and the pressure from the kingdoms, a part of her felt like this was right.
She looked at herself in the mirror as the final touches were being applied to her dress. The dress was a deep, inky black, an unexpected choice for a wedding, but it suited Akari's personality. It was elegant, sleek, and made her feel powerful. The dress shimmered under the light, the fabric almost alive with an ethereal glow. She wasn't just the bride today—she was the ruler, the one in control of her fate.
Outside her chamber, Kuro was getting ready as well. He stood before a mirror, adjusting his own black attire—just as elegant, just as striking as Akari's dress. His heart raced. This was it. He had dreamed of this day, of standing beside Akari as her partner, her equal. But seeing her in her wedding dress, he could hardly contain his emotions. She looked beautiful, more than he had ever imagined. His heart ached with the realization that this day—this moment—had finally come.
When Akari stepped onto the stage, all eyes were on her. The guests fell silent as she walked down the aisle, the soft rustling of her dress the only sound in the otherwise still room. She was like a vision, her presence commanding attention. For a moment, it felt as though the entire world had paused to take in the sight of her.
Kuro stood at the altar, waiting for her. The moment their eyes met, something shifted. His breath caught in his chest, his heart racing as he watched her approach. It wasn't just the beauty of her appearance—it was the strength in her gaze, the determination, the love that he saw in her eyes. It was like a dream coming true, and the emotions that had built up over the years finally came crashing down.
As Akari stood beside him, Kuro couldn't help but smile. His heart swelled with joy. They had been through so much together, and now here they were, standing side by side, ready to face whatever came next.
The ceremony began, and the ritual of drinking the pure water of clouds was the first step. A golden chalice was brought forward, filled with the shimmering liquid. As Akari and Kuro each took a sip, the entire room seemed to hold its breath. The water was cool, refreshing, and oddly calming. It was said to bind their souls together, making them partners not just in name, but in essence.
As they exchanged vows, the crowd watched in silence, each word echoing in the air, heavy with meaning. Despite all the politics, despite the expectations, Akari and Kuro's vows were sincere. There was no pretension in their words, no political maneuvering. Just the simple truth of
As the ceremony neared its conclusion, the officiant smiled warmly at the couple, signaling the final step that would officially seal their union. The room fell into an expectant hush, and all eyes turned to Akari and Kuro.
The officiant's voice rang out clearly, "Now, to finalize this sacred bond, you may kiss."
Akari froze for a fraction of a second, her cheeks flushing slightly. A kiss? In front of all these people? She glanced at Kuro, who had been calm and collected throughout the ceremony—but not anymore. For the first time, Kuro looked genuinely flustered, his usual composure cracking under the weight of the moment.
Kuri, standing nearby with an excited grin, practically bounced on her toes. "Kiss! Kiss! Yay, Mama and Papa are finally kissing!" she squealed, clapping her hands.
Kuro's face turned redder by the second, his confident demeanor utterly shattered. He awkwardly cleared his throat, glancing at Akari for reassurance. "Uh, w-we have to, right? It's part of the ceremony…"
Akari rolled her eyes, though her heart was beating faster than she'd like to admit. "Yes, doofus. Just get it over with."
The audience leaned forward, the anticipation in the room almost tangible. Some of the royal guests looked amused, others curious, and a few clearly waiting for a misstep. Kuro swallowed hard, his mind racing. Okay, this is fine. It's just one kiss. No big deal. Right?
Kuro stepped closer to Akari, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for hers. Their faces were mere inches apart now, and the tension between them was almost unbearable. Akari raised an eyebrow, smirking at his nervousness despite her own jitters. "Are you seriously this worked up over a kiss?" she teased under her breath.
Kuro blinked, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It's not just a kiss—it's you."
That single statement made Akari's teasing expression falter for a moment. Her smirk softened, and a flicker of emotion crossed her face before she quickly masked it. "Just do it before Kuri starts chanting again," she muttered.
Finally, Kuro leaned in, his movements stiff and hesitant at first. The kiss was short and awkward, their lips barely brushing, but it was enough to send Kuri into a frenzy of excitement. "They kissed! They kissed! Yay!" she yelled, jumping up and down.
The crowd erupted into applause, some cheering loudly, others laughing at the obvious awkwardness between the couple. Kuro pulled back, his face burning with embarrassment as he avoided looking directly at Akari. Akari, on the other hand, folded her arms and tried to appear unbothered, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
"That was...something," Kuro mumbled, scratching the back of his neck.
Akari shot him a sideways glance, smirking again. "Relax, Romeo. You didn't faint or anything."
Kuri ran up to them, tugging on their hands with uncontainable glee. "Does this mean we're officially a family now?" she asked, her eyes shining.
Akari knelt down and ruffled Kuri's hair, her smile softening. "Yeah, Kuri. We're officially a family."
Kuro, still recovering from his nerves, let out a shaky laugh. "A very unconventional one, but yeah."
The ceremony ended with the couple walking hand in hand back down the aisle, the cheers of the crowd echoing around them. Though the kiss had been awkward, it marked the beginning of a new chapter—and, perhaps, something even more profound waiting to bloom between them.
After the grand wedding, the guests slowly began to depart for their homes. Though most seemed satisfied with the ceremony and the newfound unity it symbolized, Orpheus stood out. While polite and courteous to Akari, his demeanor towards Kuro was cold, almost dismissive. It didn't take much to notice the subtle signs—his lingering glances at Akari, his curt replies to Kuro. Does he have a crush on her? Kuro wondered, though he decided not to dwell on it.
"Congratulations again, Akari," Orpheus said smoothly, bowing slightly. "You looked... radiant."
"Thank you, Orpheus. And congratulations to you as well, King of your own land now," Akari replied, keeping her tone diplomatic, though she couldn't help but notice the edge in his voice when he spoke to Kuro.
As Orpheus and the other guests finally departed, Akari and Kuro breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well, that was... something," Kuro said, tugging at the stiff collar of his ceremonial robe.
Akari smirked. "You mean the part where half the guests wanted to see if we'd trip over each other?"
"Or the part where Orpheus kept glaring at me like I stole his favorite sword?" Kuro shot back.
Akari chuckled but didn't comment further. They both knew their marriage, though essential for the kingdom's stability, hadn't pleased everyone.
The Plan Begins
That night, as per their agreement, Akari and Kuro retired to separate chambers. While the kingdom celebrated their union, they were content to keep things professional and avoid unnecessary awkwardness—for now, at least.
The next morning, their duties as co-rulers began in earnest. The first challenge: public appearances.
Public Meetings
The pair found themselves thrust into a whirlwind of events. Meetings with council members, addressing citizens' concerns, and ceremonies to solidify their reign filled their days. Public gatherings required them to present a united front, holding hands, smiling, and occasionally enduring a few overly enthusiastic citizens who wanted to witness the "perfect couple" in action.
At one particular gathering, a young girl in the crowd yelled, "Kiss again!" which made Kuro nearly choke on his drink.
Akari, ever the composed one, leaned over and whispered, "Relax, we're not doing that again."
"I wasn't even worried about that. I'm worried about you deciding to humor them," Kuro shot back under his breath.
Their dynamic quickly became a spectacle in itself, with citizens eagerly debating whether their playful banter was genuine or a carefully orchestrated act.
Balancing the Role
Despite the public's fascination, Akari and Kuro handled their roles with diligence. Akari's sharp strategic mind and Kuro's charismatic leadership complemented each other, earning the respect of even their most skeptical subjects. However, the constant scrutiny was exhausting.
One day, as they returned from yet another town hall, Kuro collapsed onto a couch in the royal study, letting out a dramatic groan. "If I have to smile at one more person, my face is going to freeze like this."
Akari, sorting through a pile of documents, raised an eyebrow. "You'd think someone who loves attention wouldn't be complaining."
"I like attention in small doses. Not... whatever today was," he replied, waving his hand in exasperation.
Akari smirked but didn't respond. Despite the challenges, the partnership between them began to feel less like an obligation and more like a well-balanced team—one that, perhaps, could even lead to something deeper with time. For now, though, they focused on what mattered most: ruling the kingdom together and maintaining the peace they had fought so hard to achieve.