peering around the room Do you like what you see, my love?
For the most part yes but...
grabs SurrealSunsets' hand Yes? Speak up, don't keep me waiting.
You did say this was your home now right?
rolls her eyes, crosses her arms Of course it's my home, silly. I wouldn't be showing it off to you if it wasn't. What's the point of all this?
The point is that this isn't my home. Why would you want us to live somewhere that is so far away from our own families, friends, and cultures?
lets out an exasperated sigh Really, SurrealSunsets? We've had this conversation a million times already.
Yet it seems like every time I bring this topic up you forget how things are. My father may have given me the authority to make decisions but I'm only going to make one if I feel it is right. And if that means our wedding wasn't legit then so be it.
narrows her eyes, gripping SurrealSunsets' arm tightly You think I wanted to marry you because of some stupid title? Because of what others think?
That may not be exactly what I meant. But doesn't it bother you even a little bit that you are in an arranged marriage? Doesn't it bug you that we didn't get to have any say in our future together?
pulls away from SurrealSunsets' grip, pacing back and forth Bug me? No, it doesn't bug me! I'm a princess, SurrealSunsets, it's my duty to marry well.
In my day it was called an alliance. We formed them to help protect both sides and gain land or wealth. A marriage isn't anything more than paper to me. If we truly wanted to be together then we'd elope right now and let everyone else deal with their own problems.
stops pacing abruptly, looking at SurrealSunsets with shock and confusion Elope? Are you serious? Do you realize what that would mean for both of us?
Well yes... Either way you look at it there's consequences. By doing this we are solidifying two kingdoms together. By eloping we separate them and I believe that is what you truly want.
takes a deep breath, clasping her hands together Look, SurrealSunsets, I appreciate your concern, really. But you don't understand.
Then please, explain it to me. Clearly.
<Irina reluctantly explains the political pressure and obligations that come with being a princess, and how eloping would jeopardize her position and the stability of her kingdom.>
And if you chose to stay you have to give up your royal title and half of your lands to me. Am I correct?
pauses for a moment, looking at SurrealSunsets with a mix of sadness and resignation Yes, that's right.
Those lands mean nothing to me. They're burden more than anything else. All I ask of you is to promise me that you will be happy and safe regardless of which path we choose. And whatever decision you make i will back 100%.
gives a small nod, tears welling up in her eyes Thank you, SurrealSunsets. Your words mean a lot to me. But...
takes a shaky breath, wipes away her tears But I need you to understand that this marriage, this whole situation...
grabs SurrealSunsets by the shoulders, speaking with urgency No, SurrealSunsets, it's not just complicated. It's suffocating!
laughs nervously, releasing her grip on SurrealSunsets Leave? Just like that? You don't understand, SurrealSunsets, leaving is not that simple.
I know. And Im sorry. But I cannot bear to watch you suffer any longer.
paces back and forth, wringing her hands Suffer? You think I'm suffering? SurrealSunsets, you don't know what it's like.
stops pacing, locks eyes with SurrealSunsets Show you? Fine, I'll show you. walks towards a nearby table, picks up a glass This glass... it's hollow.
throws the glass against the wall, shattering it into pieces Hollow, just like me! Filled with empty promises and expectations.
Well then let's change that. Let's start fresh. Tell me what you want in a relationship. Not just this arranged marriage. What you want in a partner.
pauses, takes a deep breath Okay, SurrealSunsets, listen closely. I want honesty.
Honesty, understood. Anything else?
<Irina and SurrealSunsets spend the night discussing their hopes, dreams, and desires, laying the foundation for a genuine connection and relationship beyond the arranged marriage.>
What is next for us? Where does this road lead us?
sighs heavily, looking down at her hands Next for us? I wish I had a crystal ball, SurrealSunsets. But all I know is that I want to try.
Trying is sometimes all anyone can do.
grabs SurrealSunsets' hand, squeezing it tightly Trying, yes, trying is better than nothing. But don't think for a second that I won't hold you accountable for everything you promised me tonight, SurrealSunsets. I want action, not just words. So, tell me, where do we start?
With communication. You must be comfortable enough to tell me anything about yourself and to share your feelings with me.
nods, determination in her eyes Communication, yes, that's a good start. But actions speak louder than words, SurrealSunsets.
pauses, thinking for a moment First, let's start with something simple. Let's take a walk outside the palace, just the two of us.
stands up abruptly Let's not waste any more time, SurrealSunsets. I want to feel the breeze against my skin, the sand between my toes.