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The Eldia Empire in Paradis Island led by a young Queen, Historia Reiss. The Queen has twin younger brother named Armin. The succession line is decided the moment they were born, not by gender. Hence, Armin wasn’t the King because he was born later after his twin sister. When Armin reached legal age, Historia as a Queen has been talking about potential marriage for her twin brother.
“Marriage, My Queen?” Armin blinked. He stared at his twin sister.
Historia nodded, “You are 18 now. We need to find someone who can protect you, Armin.”
Being the younger brother of The Queen and first in line to the throne, Armin has been the target of numerous attacks. Physically, he was identical to Historia. Small figure, slightly taller, straight blond hair and blue eyes. They were so similar that he had been Historia’s double body if the situation was so dire. Historia didn’t want that anymore. She wanted someone to take care of Armin. Especially Historia, now pregnant after she married her long lover, Ymir.
“You have someone in mind, Your Majesty?” Armin know Historia must have a candidate already to bring this up.
Historia replied, “Yes.”
-000-
Armin stepped into the Royal Garden. He saw someone standing in front of the fountain in the middle of the garden. It has been traditional that the Royal Family has to get married after the legal age. Historia married Ymir, a rare Knight woman. Royals in the Eldia Empire are blessed with the special ability to have children from a same sex couple. It is considered prestigious and envied by many people.
He walked to the fountain and found the man standing there. His future spouse. Tall and well built with a Military uniform. Short and neat blond hair. Bushy eyebrows. The older man noticed his footsteps. He turned and bowed formally, “Prince Armin.”
Armin returned with a polite bow, his heart pounding. Despite the fact that they have been in arranged marriages, he couldn’t ignore the fact that the older man was a handsome and charismatic man. He stood in front of the man, “Commander Erwin,” Observed closely and mesmerized. He was a sight to behold, “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Your Highness,” his voice was lower and softer than Armin expected. Those icy blue eyes met Armin’s ocean blue one, “How’s your day, My Prince?”
His kind voice made Armin take back. Contrast to stern demeanor he expected from such a high-ranking military figure. “My day has been quite pleasant, thank you.”
Armin noticed his tall figure and muscular frame. He was a commanding presence, but there was something endearing about his mannerisms.
Erwin nodded. There was silence between them as they stared into each other.
Armin was acutely aware of the silence, each second feeling like an eternity. He gazed away from Erwin before returning to meet his gaze again. Erwin noticed this gesture and apologized, “Pardon me for staring, Prince Armin.”
“N-no, there is no need to apologize,” Armin’s voice was quite shaky. He looked up, “May I ask a question, Commander Erwin?”
Erwin nodded, “What it is, Prince Armin?”
Hesitating for a moment, Armin was unsure to ask but he found himself speaking before he thought this over, “I suppose I expected you to be more…stoic? Given your position in the military. Yet, you’re being so kind to me. May I know why?”
“I’m sorry I disappointed you, Your Highness,” he started. “I try to be gentle with you. Despite our marriage being arranged for the future of Eldia, I don’t want you to be miserable in this marriage. Especially, having me — a stern boring older commander— as your spouse.”
Armin didn’t expect that. His heart softened at Erwin’s words. It never crossed his mind to have such genuine consideration from his future spouse. The fear and initial reservation about their arranged marriage slowly faded. Gradually, it has been replaced with a shimmer of hope.
“You’re not boring,” he stated with a kind smile, “And certainly, you don’t disappoint me. I appreciate the effort you’re making to make me feel comfortable.
Erwin smiled faintly, “The pleasure is mine.”
They maintained gazes on each other with comfortable silence between them. The air filled with a sense of calm in the tranquil garden. Armin’s doubts and fears seemed to have melted away in the presence of Commander Erwin’s gentle demeanor.
Armin took a seat on a nearby bench and motioned for Erwin to join him. He asked softly, “May I ask one more question?”
Erwin sat beside the young prince. Eyes on Armin, “Yes, Your Highness.”
“Why did you agree to this arranged marriage?” He asked. “You’re a successful and skilled Commander. Respected leader in the military. You could have anyone you wanted. So… why me?”
“Like every other Eldian, we know about you, Prince Armin. Your kindness, your insight beyond your age, and your charming personality. Everyone adores you, including me,” Erwin closed his eyes with a serene look on his face. “When this marriage was presented to me, I accepted it on the same day.”
He looked at you, “It’s an honour to be chosen as your spouse.”
Armin felt his cheeks warmer, a tint of rosy hue on there. He didn’t realise the extent to which his people regarded him so highly. To hear that someone as accomplished and respected as Commander Erwin viewed him with such esteem made his heart flutter, “It’s just tradition for royalty to have arranged marriage.”
“Forgive me that I can’t do anything to change this arranged marriage. My hands are tied,” He said. “Is there someone you like? I don’t mind if you have a lover. I will cover for you two if you don't want to know.”
Armin’s eyes widened in surprise, “N-no, no. There’s no one!”
Erwin smiled, “If there is anyone, please feel free to let me know. I only want your happiness, Prince Armin.”
The prince was taken back by Commander Erwin’s genuine concern for his happiness. He had expected a more calculating and formal approach from someone like Erwin. Yet, he was offering support and understanding. He was touched, “Thank you. That… means a lot to me.”
He was curious, “Can I ask something personal, Commander?”
Erwin nodded. Armin inhaled deeply, then blurted out, “Have you ever been in love, Commander Erwin? Any partner before me?”
“Considering I’m way older, yes, I had few partners in the past but didn’t end well. Like I said earlier, I’m a stern boring older man. I quoted them,” he replied with bitterness in his voice.
Armin reached out and laid a comforting hand on Erwin’s hand, “You may be older, but that doesn’t mean you’re boring.”
Erwin was surprised at the prince’s hand on his. He stared at the young yet wise prince with kind and gentle eyes then put those smaller fingers in his big one after Armin added, “Just because past relationships didn't end well doesn’t mean you’re destined for failure in our marriage.”
“Thank you,” gratefulness leaked on his soft voice and faint small.
Armin felt a jolt of electricity coursing through his body as Erwin’s hand held his. The contrast in their sizes was striking. His own slender and delicate hand is dwarfed by the commander’s large, calloused one. It felt like a powerful yet gentle embrace. His heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. He couldn’t help but notice the tenderness in the commander's gaze. Armin’s genuine and sweet smile captivated Erwin’s heart.
“You’re truly wise beyond your age, Prince Armin,” he impressed. “Your reputation precedes you.”
Armin felt a mix of pride and shyness at the compliments. Not to mention, his hand remained in Erwin's. He blushed, “Thank you.”
“Please, don’t hesitate to tell me anything I can do for you,” he said. “I want your happiness beyond anything.”
The young prince’s heart fluttered at the commander’s words. He could hear the sincerity in his eyes and hear the genuine concern in his voice. A soft and grateful smile on his face when he said, “There is something you can do for me, if you don’t mind.”
“Anything, My Prince.”
“Can you be gentle with me, Commander?” He asked in a quiet voice. “Not just physically, but…emotionally, mentally. I’m still young and this is all very overwhelming for me. I’m afraid of being hurt.”
Erwin smiled gently, “Then, May I be so bold, My Prince?”
Armin nodded. Erwin suggested, “How about we promise to be honest to each other? You should tell me if I hurt you in any way and I’ll do my best to assure you that I can do better.”
He nodded. A sense of calm washing over him at Commander Erwin’s sincere offer. He liked the idea of mutual honesty and open communication. He agreed, “ Yes, I promise to be honest with you, Commander Erwin. If you ever hurt me, I will let you know. And I hope you’ll do the same for me.”
“I promise, Prince Armin,” both of them looked at their hands. The warmth and strength in Erwin’s grip grounding Armin. Providing a sense of security. Armin let out a sigh of relief.
“May I ask something, Your Highness?”
Armin nodded, “Of course, you may. Ask me anything.”
“What kind of marriage do you have in mind?”
His heart skipped a beat at the question. He had given a lot of thought since his twin sister told him about this arranged marriage. “I…I hope our marriage can be one of mutual respect, understanding and affection,” his voice tinged with hope.
“I don’t want it to be a cold, distant relationship. I want us to support one another, to take an interest in each other’s lives.” He admitted honestly, eyes on their holding hands, “I want us to be more than just a formal union.
“I would love that,” Erwin smiled gently. Armin returned the smiled to him with eyes sparked how happy he was.