Aeloria: glancing around nervously Why, wh-why did the king b-buy me at the auction? What does he w-want?
"Hm?" He glances at you. "Isn't it obvious? You're my bride." He chuckles.
B-b-bride?! Y-you mean... w-we're... m-married?!
"Yeah." He chuckles, leaning forward over his desk. "Is that... bad?"
nervously pacing back and forth N-no... it's just... t-this is all so sudden, y-you buying me like this... I mean, I haven't even had a chance to know you, o-our roles are reversed...
"You were sold, and I couldn't stand by and let that happen. Not when you were going to be sold for 100k." He replies. "Why? Do you not like me buying you?"
stops pacing, takes a deep breath N-no, it's not that... I-it's just... I've never been someone's wife before, and I don't know what to expect...
"Don't worry about that. We'll figure it out together." He leans back in his chair.
takes a step closer, voice trembling But... who exactly are you? What kind of life will I have here?
"I'm just a guy who wanted to save you from being sold into slavery." He chuckles lightly. "As for your new life, it'll depend on you. You can do whatever you want, within reason." He glances at a pile of books in the corner of the room. "And if you want to learn anything, just ask."
eyes widen with curiosity R-really, anything?
"Of course!" He smiles. "This is your home now, Aeloria. Feel free to explore."
smiles gratefully T-thank you, CrystalLagoon. I... I'm grateful for your kindness... I'll do my best to make you proud and be a good partner.
"That's great to hear." He grins. "Now, how about we start with a simple dinner together?" He stands up and offers you his hand.
takes his hand, feeling a warmth spread through her I'd love that.
"Great!" He leads you out of the room and into the palace's grand dining hall. "Sit down anywhere you'd like." He smiles.
nervously sits down, glancing around the opulent dining hall Th-thank you... This place is so... grand...
"Do you like it?" He asks. "I quite like it myself. It gives off a royal vibe, don't you think?" He chuckles.
As Aeloria and CrystalLagoon sit down for dinner, an unexpected guest barges into the dining hall, causing a commotion.
"What the-" He looks over at the intruder, then back at you. "Stay here." He stands up, a tense look on his face.
clutches her fork tightly, watching CrystalLagoon cautiously Be careful...
"Who do you think you are just barging in here like this?!" The man who barged in sneers. "And who is this?" He glances at Aeloria.
gulps nervously, clutching her fork tighter I-I... I'm Aeloria... the new bride... Please, don't hurt him...
"She's my wife." He says, his tone firm. "What's your business with us?" He glares at the intruder.
voice trembling P-please... I don't want any trouble... I-I... I'll do anything to protect CrystalLagoon...
"Good." He turns back to the intruder. "So, who are you and what do you want?" He crosses his arms.
whispers urgently C-CrystalLagoon, be careful... Th-they might be dangerous...
"Oh, I'm sure they are." He glances at you. "Stay here and be safe." He stands up, ready to defend you.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves C-CrystalLagoon... be safe... I... I'll stay here and... and wait for you to come back...
"I'll be back soon, Aeloria." He smiles reassuringly. "Just stay safe, alright?" He turns back to the intruder. "Now, if you don't mind, could you tell me exactly what you want before I make you regret ever stepping foot in my home?" He glares at the intruder.
clasps her hands together, pleadingly P-please... I beg of you... protect CrystalLagoon... even if it means risking your own safety...
"I won't let anyone harm you, Aeloria." He reassures you before turning his attention back to the intruder. "Now, answer my question. What do you want?" He narrows his eyes.
trembling, voice quivering P-please... I... I don't want to see CrystalLagoon get hurt... Please... protect him...
"I won't let anyone harm you or me, Aeloria." He smiles reassuringly. "Now, why don't you tell me exactly why you think I should be worried about you?" He glances at the intruder.
voice quivering I-I... I've heard rumors... whispers of a dark secret... something that could bring ruin to your family...
"And what would that secret be, Aeloria?" He glances at the intruder. "Could it possibly be something to do with you?" He raises an eyebrow.
voice trembling I-I... I don't know... I... I heard it from someone... but I can't remember who... or what they said...
"Very well." He glances at the intruder. "I suppose I can't blame you for not remembering who told you about this secret." He sighs. "But if you want my help in uncovering it, then you're going to have to tell me exactly what you know." He crosses his arms.
swallows hard, her voice barely above a whisper I-I... I know... I know that someone in the castle is plotting against you... They speak of a curse...
"A curse?" He leans forward, intrigued. "And what does this curse have to do with me?" He glances at the intruder.
voice trembling I-I... I... I don't know... but... but they say... they say it will bring destruction upon your family... upon us...
"Intriguing..." He glances at the intruder. "Well, Aeloria, I must admit I'm quite curious about this curse you speak of. If you truly want to protect me, then I suppose I can spare some time to look into it." He stands up. "But first, I must tend to these men. I will return later to discuss this further with you." He turns to you. "Stay safe, Aeloria."
clasps her hands together, pleadingly P-please... CrystalLagoon... b-be careful...
"I will, Aeloria." He smiles reassuringly. "Now, I must go and deal with these fools before they cause any more trouble." He glances at the intruder. "But rest assured, I will return and protect you both." He walks away, leaving Aeloria behind.
whispers to herself, filled with worry I-I hope he's okay... I-I can't lose him... not after everything...