Chapter Text
When it came to things you desire in most cases you got whatever you wanted out of life. From dresses to jewelry, animals, food whatever came to your mind you could possess it at a wave of your polished hand. Living as royalty came easy to you. Being of the Braun bloodline, rulers of Marely. But there was one thing that you desired above all things. Love. True, honest, honorable love. This was not something that you could simply send a servant to fetch. But you were not given this right when you’re part of the royal bloodline.
“Please promise me you’ll behave yourself today,” your mother said to you as she stood in front of you carefully smoothing out your freshly curled hair.
Karina Braun was by far the most honorable and kindest soul in the face of Marley. As Queen, she did her duties diligently and gracefully you could not imagine anyone better befit for the throne. As a Mother, she was just as such.
“I don't know why I am being forced to marry a man I do not know,” you pouted as your mother cupped your face, forcing you to look her in the eyes. Her look was soft and caring. You knew she understood your concerns, yet there was nothing she could do. “This is not what I want, Mother.”
As she held your face in her hands she sighed “I know sweetheart, but this is the way it has to be. It has been this way for generations” She smiled trying to lighten the load weighing down your spirits. “Your father and I had an arranged marriage and look how much we love each other”. She let one hand fall from the side of your face and reached to hold your hand. You gripped tightly squeezing her hand and tilting your head into her palm closing your eyes and taking in the deepest of breaths you possibly could.
“Reiner had the same fate and he is as happy as could be with Historia” she chuckled “What makes you think yours will not come to the same conclusion?”
You sighed thinking deeply and realized you didn't actually know why you felt so much fear within this arrangement. There was nothing to be truly scared of. But you had all these ‘what ifs’ racing through your mind. “What if he doesn't love me much less like me” “What if he were to hit me or scorn me” “What if I don't love him” and many more dreadful thoughts.
“Listen to me when I say you will be just fine” she assured again looking deeply into your sorrowful gaze her eyes bright with a sparkle in them that you hoped you would be able to see in yourself one day. “Now! You have to go get your dress on. I think you'll love it dear!” she excitedly said with a bright wide smile. And shooed you away down to your changing quarters.
..
As you looked into the mirror you could not deny how beautiful you felt at that moment. Standing upon that pedestal staring at yourself in the big white gown beaded with the finest of pearls and stones, embroidered so delicately with swirls and patterns. Your hair is tightly curled and pinned back with the richest diamonds of white and deep blue. A light pink rouge dusted your cheeks complemented by a clear gloss basted onto your lips. Yet you still had a look of pained sorrow across your face.
And with a sigh, you stepped down from the pedestal holding your stomach which was filled with knots and coils taking deep sharp breaths that were somewhat constrained by the extremely tight corset you were forced to wear in an attempt to ground yourself and rid yourself of your nerves.
You instructed your maids in waiting to leave the room. And you just paced, back and forth for what felt like an eternity. Wanting to bite at your freshly polished nails. As you were about to give in to the aching urge to run and never come back there were three loud knocks at your door.
“Come in” you yelled to the door. With a twist of the knob, you were greeted by your older brother peeking into the room. “Reiner!” you exclaimed relieved for a moment as you saw him. A small smile crept onto your face. He walked into the room looking as stoic as ever. But once he saw you in that wonderful gown he gave a small smile and put his hands behind his back.
“Wow.. you don’t look like an absolute peasant” he chuckled. With that, you scowled at him and scoffed rolling your eyes. “How rude of you brother” You gave a small laugh knowing he was only teasing. “I'm sorry sister, what I meant to say was that you look absolutely beautiful”.
You looked down running your hands down your frame and looked back up at him with a smile “Thank you”. He walked towards you and towered over you looking down with a nervous smile and embraced you in a giant bear-like hug. “Ugh get off You’re gonna ruin my hair and makeup” you swat at him with a cringed face. This only makes him hug you tighter but after a moment he releases you from his grasp. “What? You don't want love from your big brother on your big day?”
When he says those words you go back to feigning tears. He stares at you with a blank face confused about what he could have said to make you so sad. “Hey, it's okay. I know you will be great” he tries to assure.
“That's not what I'm worried about Reiner. I know I'll do just fine” you reason. “I just don't know about him” your stomach yet again churning as you look at your brother with furrowed brows. It seems as though he understands immediately. He raises a brow and gestures for you to sit on the lounge bench at the end of the room. You follow his command and take a seat. He sits in front of you on the footrest with clasped hands.
“Trust me, when Historia and I were arranged to be married I was nervous too,” he explained. “I didn't know what she was going to look like or what kind of person she would be”
“That's not making me feel any better Reiner” you interrupt. “Will you let me continue” he pauses for a moment to make sure you are done speaking and you nod your head and purse your lips. “As I was saying I had no idea if I would be able to be happy with her or love her… but as I stood at the alter, watched her come down that aisle, and was finally met face to face with her all my fears and worries had left me. I knew.” he stopped “but I did not love her from the start. It took time and it took patience. As I grew to know her better I slowly fell in love with her. It takes time sister I promise” With that he left the floor open to you gesturing with his hand that you could now speak.
“How do you know my marriage will be the same though, how do I just know as you said” quickly arguing back. “It's a feeling you get. You’ll know when you see him if it’s true love” he says. You pause and think a moment “What if I don't get this ‘feeling’” you question.
“Then I give you every right to run out of that cathedral and I will not judge you” he concludes.
You sigh, and With that, your mind and body are put at slight ease. Talking to your brother always seemed to calm you down whenever you were overwhelmed, he just knew what to say. You both stood from your spots and he held you by your arms with a smile and placed a gentle peck on your forehead.
Then there was another knock at the door and after a moment your mother came in a giant beaming smile on her face when she saw you. A loud gasp fell from her lips as he cupped her hands over her mouth with wide eyes as she rushed over to the two of you. Reiner moves to the side to make room for your mother who grabs onto your hands and lifts them to her chest with excitement.
“OH, you look so gorgeous, sweetheart! You make such a beautiful bride” she exclaims tears filling in her eyes. “ oh no, Mom don't cry” you laugh with a smile. “I'm sorry I can't help it you just look so beautiful,” she says wiping the tears from her eyes. There's silence for a moment as she stares at you gleaming.
“Well.. are you ready dear? Everyone is already in the cathedral waiting. We have about 20 minutes to get down there” she says clasping her hands in front of her mouth “Your father is already down by the big doors waiting for you”
You take a deep inhale that you hold in as you look at your brother for reassurance, he gives you a single nod of his head and you exhale turning back to your mother.
“Yeah, I'm ready,”
..
As you stood at the big cathedral doors with your father's arm linked with your own you couldn't help but feel your heartbeat how incredibly rapid it was and you could feel yourself shaking violently in your father's grasp. He seemed to notice too because he took your hand in his and started to rub it in an attempt to soothe you. You could faintly hear the rustle and bustle of the people and the melody of the orchestra beyond the doors.
They were all there to see you get married. Get married to a man you know nothing about and have to live the rest of your natural-born life with.
Your breath hitched in the back of your throat as you heard the orchestra come to a slow stop and the trumpets blaring that it was time. It felt as though time had stopped and there was no escape at this point. Your eyes widened as you turned to your father holding on tight to his arm.
He looked down at you with a smile. “Deep breathes sweetheart, and smile. The people will be looking” he kisses your forehead and stands back straight facing the doors. You take a deep breath and stand straight painting a faux smile on your face still holding so tight onto his arm you feel you might leave bruises.
The doors creak open. You stand there frigid almost frozen in place. The orchestra starts playing your entrance song but you can barely hear it your mind is blank and it feels like you had earmuffs on with how muffled the world around you felt. You scanned the room, people lined the columns all turned around in their seats looking at the big doors. After a moment you finally looked at the one part of the room you had purposely been avoiding.
There he was standing at the very front of the room, standing at the Altar waiting for you. Armin Arlert, heir to the throne of Paradis. You had never seen him before only knew his name. From far away you could see his blonde, neatly cut and styled hair. He was tall but that was about all you could make out from where you stood in the doorframe. And he was looking right at you.
You gripped your father's arm and somehow mustered up the courage to take a step forward. “This is it,” you thought “No going back” Taking deep breaths you felt yourself walking forward staring straight ahead. Your father is right by your side ready to hand you off and the end. The aisle felt like it stretched for miles and your knees felt weaker and weaker with every step.
On the left side of the aisle, you could see your family and friends. The front row consisted of just your mother, Reiner, and Historia, soon your father would join them. Behind them were your cousins and extended family. Your little cousin Gabi was beaming at you with bright eyes. Then there were some people you would consider close friends. Your brother's best friend Bertolt Hoover, the Galliard brothers, along with the Grice brothers, then Annie Leonhart, Pieck Finger, and Ymir. All of them smile brightly as you walk down the aisle. Seeing your friends eased your nerves just a little more.
Looking back to the front of the cathedral you could now make out some of his facial features. And he was so incredibly handsome you could even say he was somewhat beautiful. From what you could tell he had a small button nose and the softest of facial features. It wasn't until you were right at the steps of the alter that you could see his eyes, they were round with long blonde eyelashes and his irises were blue, probably the prettiest shade of blue you had ever seen. You could barely tear your gaze away from him as he looked down at you with a soft smile.
You looked at your father beside you with a smile he gave you a nod and took you the rest of the way up the stairs. At the top, you unlink your arms and he holds your face for a moment then kisses your forehead. He takes your hand and places it in the prince's outstretched palm. The warmth of his hand makes you flinch slightly but you adjust to it fairly quickly. His hands are soft yet strong as he grasps you.
Your father turns to the prince and gives him a small bow of respect and makes his way back to sit with your Mother in the front row. You tear your gaze away from your father and back to Armin. He's looking down at you. Now that you were so close to each other you continued to examine him and another look into his eyes made you feel like you were swimming in the ocean they were such a deep blue. As he looks at you it seems like he is examining you as well then he looks back into your eyes and grins.
“It's nice to finally meet you princess” he whispers.
His voice is soft yet deep and sultry and it sends a shiver up your spine. You look into his deep low eyes unable to find any words as you feel lost in his presence, captured in his gaze. Hand in hand he starts to rub his thumbs across your hand which seems to snap you out of your trance.
“Same here,” you say weakly as it is all you can muster up. Biting the inside of your lip. You were already nervous to begin with but with the man in front of you seeing how utterly beautiful he was made you just that much more nervous and tense.
For a long while you both just stared into each other's eyes unable to break the contact until the pastor spoke.
“Welcome All to this momentous occasion” he began “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of two Kingdoms, Princess Y/N Braun of Marley and Prince Armin Arlert of Paradis in holy matrimony. This sacred ceremony is a celebration of love, commitment, and the joining of two hearts and lives.”
“Y/n and Armin, your journeys have led you to this moment. Today, you stand before your friends and family to make a solemn vow to support and cherish each other for the rest of your days.”
“Marriage is not to be entered into lightly but with careful consideration and respect. It is a bond that will require patience, understanding, and compromise. In the years to come, you will face both joys and challenges, and it is your love and dedication to each other that will see you through.”
“May your home be a haven of peace, your hearts always open to each other, and your love a shining example to the world. As you exchange your vows and rings, know that you carry with you the love and support of everyone here today.”
“Armin Please exchange your vows”
He tore his gaze from the priest and back to you still holding onto your hands looking deeply into your soul as he spoke.
“I, Armin Arlert, take you, Y/N Braun, to be my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.. This is my solemn vow”
He said this all with a small smirk on his face, voice so smooth it made you cling to every word.
“Now, Y/N please exchange your vows”
You took a deep breath before speaking trying to gather your senses. You looked longingly into his eyes same as he did for you and spoke.
“I, Y/N Braun, take you, Armin Arlert, to be my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part... This is my solemn vow”
As you said these words you could yet again feel your heart pounding in your chest.
“As you exchange rings, remember that they are a symbol of your unending love and fidelity. They represent the promises you make today and the commitment you will honor every day of your lives together.”
Two ring bearers came to each of your sides holding small square cushions with your rings laid on top. You let go of each other's hands and picked up the rings.
“Do you, Armin Arlert, take Y/N Braun to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
He again looked down at you with low eyes and smiled giving your hand a tight squeeze “I do” he said so confidently as if we hadn't just met right where we stood. You then took the ring in your hand and carefully slid it onto his ring finger.
“Do you, Y/N Braun, take Armin Arlert to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
It took you a moment to say what was supposed to be said raking through all the thoughts in your head “This is the moment, the moment that decides the rest of your life. Was I already supposed to feel what Reiner had told me I would if it was true love. How am I supposed to know?” you turn to your right looking to your brother for assurance again biting your inner lip unsure of what you should do. He catches this and gives you his classic nod of the head telling you that everything will be alright.
You turned back to your soon-to-be husband looking into his deep blue eyes. He had an eyebrow raised probably wondering what was taking you so long to say those two very simple words.
With a sharp breath, you finally utter the words “I do”
He smiles taking the ring in his hand and raises your hand in his sliding the ring onto your finger. As you look at the ring you are amazed, it's beautiful. The diamonds were so large and heavy they almost weighed down your hand.
“And now, by the power vested in me, I am honored to pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Arlert! You may seal your vows with a kiss.”
As the priest said this Armin quickly wrapped his arm around your waist pulling your body into his, you placed your hands on his chest bracing yourself as he leaned you back. His body is so warm against yours. His face is now mere inches from your own looking at you from eye to eye and down to your lips almost asking for permission to kiss you. You nod your head in approval.
You finally close your eyes and wait for the touch of his lips against yours. He leaned in and that was it… the moment his lips hit yours. A spark. You felt it so deep in your gut you almost didn't notice it. Was this the feeling your dear brother spoke of? The confirmation that this was the right choice?
You eased into his kiss, kissing him back feverishly, it was a soft, heartfelt kiss, and despite having just met the man you felt as though you had been waiting for this exact kiss your entire life. The world around you stopped spinning and it was just you and him, bodies held together, lips moving on command. And you hoped that he felt the same within this kiss as you did. You never wanted it to end you wanted to stay locked in this position forever.
But soon it came to a stop and you pulled away from each other, a small string of saliva connecting you to him. And you licked your lips loving the taste of his mouth on yours. Now both looking at each other with lust in your eyes. He stood you back up straight letting go of your waist and you both took each other's hand and raised them in the air for all to see.
With that, everyone in the cathedral jumped from their seats cheers, yells, clapping, and whistles rang throughout the crowd.
Wedding bells rang in your ears. And you looked to your new husband thinking of what the future might hold for the two of you.