Forced marriage

ㅤ Despite the four people in the room, none of them broke the oppressive silence. They found themselves in a difficult situation, one they could not resolve. A strong sense of duty, instilled in her by her upbringing, prevented Natalia from selfishly retreating. The time for the marriage determined at birth was approaching. Natalia could not choose her own groom, and Luke had no right to refuse, remaining the sole bearer of royal blood. If he resisted, the entire line would be lost. It was enough that Natalia had already violated his purity. "We need…" Natalia tried to hide her trembling, fortunately she was sitting on a chair, but the very thought that she was going to betray her people made her horrified, "only the heir." Everyone turned their gaze to her, causing Natalia, weighed down by guilt without judgment, to lower her head even further and clench her fists. She loved her people, her country, her father. But she also wanted to be happy, to devote herself to the man who had healed her and then stolen her heart. He was even of noble blood! If only it weren't for the importance of preserving the bloodline… Her polished nails dug painfully into her palms, and Natalia clenched her teeth. "If I…" Natalia reached for the hem of Luke's clothes, as if clutching at a straw. Like a small child, seeking protection and understanding. "Natalia…" was all Luke could manage to say sympathetically. He couldn't even imagine how hard it was for her to think of him as her future husband. A friend with the face of lost love. A living reminder of a lost happiness, now threatening to take away her present one. "Are you really ready to do this?" Tear asked cautiously. She couldn't even quite put her finger on "this"—what. An unwanted marriage? The birth of a child? Or what Natalia couldn't quite put into words…? Guy approached Natalia, knelt down, and took her hand in his, warming and soothing it. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She didn't want Guy to see her like this—weak. But his gaze was reassuring, and their closeness warmed her soul. "I will support you, whatever you decide," he said confidently. The trembling subsided. Guy helped her to find her resolve. She had a duty. One she would fulfill. And afterward, nothing would stop her from taking care of herself. "It's selfish of me…" Natalia said more evenly. "Like all of us here," Tear agreed. She didn't dare ask her for anything; Natalia was already sacrificing herself, regardless of her decision. "Please," Natalia looked confidently into Guy's eyes, covering his hand with hers, "wait for me. And…" Natalia swallowed, realizing what she was about to do in the future: abandon her country and her child. "Take me with you. Would that option suit everyone, though?" Tear breathed a sigh of relief: Natalia could very well remain loyal to the people. Guy smiled approvingly. "I'll wait as long as it takes." Natalia finally found the strength to smile. No more torment, no more pangs of conscience—she decided. She would not run from her duty, and Guy would not let her run from him. The future no longer offered such a crushing sense of doom. ㅤ