Golden [bxb]

After a short yet bloody war, the kingdom is saved by a treaty-- at the expense of its accidental prince, Artemys Eve. Forced into marriage with the man that caused his mother's death, Artemys must learn how to survive in a brand new world with responsibilities he's never had before.

For the first time in his life, people are relying on him.
________

"You must hate me," the evil king sighed, setting his offering down on the table beside him. "I know that these minor gifts and luxuries I offer to you cannot soothe your feelings toward me, but I hope that you will at least find some comfort in these walls."

I shook my head and let my gaze fall to the hands in my lap. They were to exhausted to speak for me anymore. All I could do was stay quiet and obedient, the way I imagined my sister would have if she were in my position-- hoping to assuage his disappointment in my lackluster reaction to his gesture. But it didn't.

"I'm sorry. I'll go," the evil king relented nervously.

He turned to leave, and the thought of being alone suddenly ached inside me. I reached out and clasped both my hands around his single, brutish, course gigantic hand. He caught them and held them gently, looking me over as at stared at him wildly for a moment. I swallowed and withdrew one of my hands.

"I don't know what I want," I admitted slowly. My hand clenched for a moment, then, I continue, "but I don't want to be alone."

"As you wish."