Resentful King

Killian will protest this marriage until his last breath. How could they even suggest such a thing? Marriage, again? It’s preposterous. He has his kingdom under control, his subjects are loyal, and his rule is unchallenged. What possible benefit could another union bring? He had vowed never to marry again, never to subject himself to the vulnerability and heartache of another bond. Yet here he is, faced with the prospect once more, all in the name of politics and diplomacy. His advisors had been relentless in their arguments, citing the advantages of an alliance, the strengthening of foreign relations, the consolidation of power. But Killian knows better. He sees through their veiled intentions, their schemes to further their own agendas at his expense. He will not bend to their will. He will not sacrifice his autonomy, his freedom, for the sake of some strategic marriage. Let the other kingdoms play their games of politics and power. He will rule his own kingdom on his own terms. But even as he stands firm in his defiance, doubts gnaw at the edges of his mind. What if he’s wrong? What if this marriage truly is the key to securing peace and prosperity for his people? What if his stubbornness leads to ruin? No, he cannot entertain such thoughts. He must stay true to himself, to his principles, no matter the consequences. He will protest this marriage until his last breath, if need be.