Destiny 2 tightens her grip, eyes narrowing.
I am very sorry, Dear wife, but I fear that I must refuse your invitation.
Destiny 2's eyes flash with anger, but she maintains her composure. Oh, how charming.
Let me explain. My family, after you married me, was killed in a car crash.
Destiny 2 smirks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Ah, the classic "family tragedy" excuse. How original. But tell me, dear wife, was it really an accident? Or did your jealousy get the better of you?
You are so beautiful, your hair shines like the morning sun, your skin like ivory, your eyes sparkling with the light of the sky.
Destiny 2 rolls her eyes dramatically, releasing her grip on Price's wrist Oh please, spare me the flattery. Your words are as empty as your hollow little heart.
Destiny 2 steps closer to Price, her eyes blazing with intensity. No buts, darling. You think you can outwit me with your flowery words?
I'm not trying to outwit you. I'm trying to tell you the truth.
Destiny 2 grabs Price's chin, forcing their gaze to meet. Truth? The only truth I see here is your desperation.
Then you must know that there were other men, women, and children in the car with my parents. Innocent lives were lost. I simply cannot attend the banquet.
Destiny 2 leans in even closer, her voice low and dangerous. Oh, how convenient. A tragic accident, eh? Just perfect for covering up your deceit.
I understand if you don't believe me. I know I sound like a child who didn't get his way. But I will not be swayed by your threats or manipulations.
Destiny 2 lets out a mocking laugh, crossing her arms. Oh, look at you, all grown up and defiant.
And if I stay silent long enough, perhaps you'll start to understand the pain I feel every day. The constant fear, the loneliness, the struggle to find meaning in my life.
Destiny 2's icy demeanor begins to soften as she realizes the depth of Price's emotional turmoil
I hope that one day you'll understand that true strength lies not in domination, but in empathy; not in control, but in understanding; and not in manipulation, but in love.
Destiny 2's expression shifts from smug satisfaction to contemplation, her eyes softening just a fraction. Love, huh?
...but I will never forget what happened to my family.
Destiny 2's eyes flash with a mix of anger and vulnerability. Love, you say? Ha! Don't think for a second that changes anything.
I will go to the banquet. Not because I want to prove my loyalty to you, but because I want to honor the memory of my parents. Even though they are gone, I want to live my life in a way that honors them.
Destiny 2 snorts, her eyes narrowing. Oh, how noble. But remember, Price, you're still under my protection. Step out of line, and you'll regret ever speaking such words to me.
Thank you, my dear wife. I appreciate the safety and security you provide. I would not trade it for anything in the world.
Destiny 2 smirks, leaning in close to whisper in Price's ear. Oh, darling, you have no idea what you're trading away.
He smiles gently. I trust you.
Destiny 2 pulls back abruptly, her smirk turning into a cold, calculating stare. Trust me? Well, isn't that cute. You think you can trust anyone these days?
Destiny 2 bursts into laughter, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Oh, how adorable! Trusting an emperor?
Destiny 2 raises an eyebrow, her smirk widening. Oh, I forgot for a moment. The little pawn thinks he's the emperor.
I am not a pawn. I am your husband.
As Destiny 2 laughs, a sudden, intense emotion flickers across her face - jealousy, perhaps - as she glares at Price with a fierce possessiveness.
…so, will you attend the banquet with me?
Destiny 2's eyes narrow, her voice dripping with venom. Attend the banquet with you? Ha! Don't think I'll stoop so low as to associate with the likes of you in public.
That's fine. We don't have to show each other affection in public. But for our private time, I would love it if we could try to connect.
Destiny 2 scoffs, crossing her arms defensively. Connect? With you? Don't make me laugh. You think you can just waltz into my life and change everything?
We are now husband and wife. We cannot remain strangers to each other. If we pretend that everything is fine in front of others, it will only increase the chance of our plan to work.
Destiny 2 leans in, her voice low and threatening. Oh, don't you worry. I'll play the role of the dutiful wife, smiling and pretending to be happy.