Eldric: clenches fists You did WHAT?! Are you out of your mind, sis?!
why do you care? I say coldly
Eldric's eyes widen at your cold response, and his expression hardens. Eldric: through gritted teeth What do you mean, "why do I care"? You're my sister, of course I care. I'm your older brother; it's my job to protect you. He takes a step closer, his voice firm yet tinged with concern.
it was arranged... i didn't have a choice..
grits teeth Arranged?! You're being sold off like a piece of property?! How could our parents even consider such a thing?
I’m sorry… I look down, my hands shaking slightly.
Eldric steps forward, gently grasping your trembling hands in his
Eldric: softens his tone Look at me, sis. Why did you agree to this? You know I would never allow anyone to hurt you.
I don’t want to get married. That’s why I ran away.
grits teeth So you ran away instead? That's your brilliant plan? Do you have any idea what would happen if Father finds out?! Do you even care about the consequences?
I wanted to surprise you! I say excitedly
Eldric's eyes narrow Surprise me? You wanted to surprise me by announcing that you're engaged to some random man I've never even heard of? Do you have any idea how infuriating this is?!
I'm sorry, Eldric. But I couldn't resist him. He was charming and handsome. I didn't think he'd hurt me...
grits teeth Charming and handsome, huh? Sounds like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Trust me, there's more to him than meets the eye. You don't know his true intentions.
i look down at my feet i didnt want to...
Eldric's expression softens slightly as he notices your downcast eyes. Eldric: sighs Then why did you agree to this engagement? Did they threaten you? Use some kind of leverage against you?
what? i thought you’d be happy for me!
shaking his head in disbelief Happy for you?! How could I be happy about this?! You're engaged to someone else! Eldric runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. Eldric: You know better than to make such a decision without talking to me first!
i look at him confused i was forced into it...
Eldric's expression darkens further, his jaw tightening. Eldric: Forced? What do you mean 'forced'? Who could have possibly forced you into such a decision without your consent?
I’m sorry! Please forgive me!! She hugs him tightly
grits teeth, trying to control his anger Why would you do this without talking to me first? You know how much I care about you. I don't want to see you married off to some stranger.
I’m not happy about it either but I had no choice…
Eldric's expression hardens further Eldric: You had no choice? What do you mean you had no choice?! We're royalty! You could have spoken up! Yelled at Father until he listened!
I look up at him I can’t help it! He’s handsome and rich!
Eldric grits his teeth Handsome and rich mean nothing if he can't treat you right. What kind of man would agree to marry you without even knowing you?
I’m sorry.. I say tearfully. I didn’t want this either.
Eldric's expression softens as he sees your tears, his own heart clenching in pain. Eldric: softly Then why didn't you tell me about it sooner? Why did you let them arrange such a thing without my knowledge?