I refuse to marry the man you've chosen,father.I stand by my word, I'll not marry who you've chosen for me

My father's voice rises ,a mix of frustration and disbelief .

"How dare you defy me"?

Do you not understand the importance of this marriage?it's not just for you. it about our family's future.

I spoke with pain.

Father,for I know you want to sell me off to just some man.i refuse to be sold off.i have pride and I'll marry the man that I want,I have dreams ,father .you can't give me up to that man.

My father's expression hardens,his voice cold and stern, yet there's trace of regret in his eye's.

"You speak of dreams as if they matter more than survival. your dreams_pride cannot feed nor protect us. The man I've chosen is someone who will secure our place, ensure that you'll live well, Don't be naive,What you want.....it's a luxury we cannot afford "

I spoke back to my father

You speak of luxury I cannot afford,this is the only luxury I can afford,my dignity. I can't marry him.i know nothing of him,there are remours that he's a prince that has no mercy in his eye's ,a killer, Everyone is saying how you're giving your daughter in return for your Kingdom,father.

Father's face falter for a moment but he quickly masks it with anger ,his voice trembling with a mix of fear and authority.

" You think I want this for?you think I choose this lightly?. He's a prince and man with power.He will protect you..... protect us,you have no idea what it's like to carry the weight of this kingdom on your shoulders! If you understand,you would see that this is the only choice ,your safety, your future . it all depends on this union. Do you not see?. I do this because I love you.

As my voice and heart melt.

Father, please, mother say something,

what does my mother have to say, she'll agree with my father, her words was gentle as her eyes teary,I'm sorry she said .

There's nothing I can say ,for father has decided and the kingdom's fate lies with me,there was nothing let for me to argue,i was going to marry the prince for my father , mother and our kingdom .

I'll marry the prince ,I said.

The room falls into a heavy silence as my words hang in the air. My father thought relieved ,doesn't't seem to find joy in my submission. He turned to face me ,his expression softened with a mix of gratitude and regret.

MY father spoke,

"Thank you...I..I know this isn't easy for you but you've made the right choice, the kingdom will be save. Your future.....your future will be secured"

Though I've agreed, there is a feeling of something unsaid ,something unfulfilled, a silent promise to myself that this choice will not define my future entirely.

And just like that,I'm to wed a prince remoured to be heartless ,a killer ,a war beast. i rush to my room .

The weight off my decisions sinking in. my heart pounds as the door shut behind me and tears that has been held back finally Falls freely, the soft comforting presence of my handmaid fills the room as she enter quietly ,her gentle hand resting on my back ....this wasn't the kind of marriage I daydreamed about.