Rose did not want to get married, but Charle insisted that she do. So before she knew it, Rose was in an arrange marriage with Naesala. ‘For the sake of strengthening the bonds between races,’ she was told. She didn’t care, she just wanted out of the whole thing, but her protests fell on deaf ears.

It could have been worse though. At least Naesala was an able bodied young man and she wasn’t going to end up as a trophy wife for some aging lord. Or at least that’s what she thought.

After the meeting that made the whole engagement official, Rose and Naesala were left alone.

“Are you always so grumpy?” Naesala asked in a teasing manner.

“I have my reasons to be.” she replied, her back towards him as she looked out the window. “I had rather stay single for the rest of my life than to be some bargaining item for a diplomatic contract.”

“There is a good reason behind all of this. Beside,” he added with smug tone coloring his voive. “Most women would kill to be in your shoes.”

“I am not like most women,” she said with annoyance as she turned to face him. To her surprise, he had moved closer to her.

“That’s a shame.” He moved even closer, with a smirk on his lips. “You are quite beautiful.” Before she could say anything in reply, he leaned in and kissed her.

At frist she was surprised, but soon she started returning the kiss. She had to admit, she did enjoy it.

The kiss was over soon, and she felt the heat of a blush come to her cheeks. She bowed her head some in an attempt to try an hide it.

He gave a teasing chuckle at the sight. “You’re blushing. That’s alright, I can’t blame you. I am a very good kisser.”

Naesala expected her to blush more and snap back a reply in annoyance. What he didn’t expect was the right hook aimed at his jaw, that was strong enough to make him stagger back at the impact.

Oh, this will be such a lovely marriage, Rose thought bitterly as she stormed out of the room, leaving Naesala behind.