You had sooner put on the wedding gown than ask about him. All you knew was his name, as everyone knew his name. The High Lord of the Night Court himself had been in search for a partner, searching through the endless lands of Prythian to find one worthy of a responsibility as great as having an entire Court at your feet.

He had sent Azriel on journeys, Cassian too. Rhysand had seen beautiful fae, but although beauty interested him, he only wanted someone capable. Trusting.

Someone like you. You were what others would call loyalty. Child of a High Lord, unwed. Rhys's brothers gave him enough information, about your armies, your weaponry and alliances. Being good friends with your family would certainly bring advantages, and Rhys couldn't miss the opportunity chanting his name.

Together, he and the Inner Circle contacted your High Lord, and the deal was made.

You walked through the outstanding paths of his home, to a ceremony underneath the stars, in which you would meet the stranger you'd likely spend the rest of your life with. You knew the many females who would be on their knees to switch places with you, offer you everything in exchange for his hand.

You, on the other hand, despised the ordeal. No matter how attractive he might seem, he might as well be a monster inside. No matter his riches and wardrobes, he could still see you as means to an end and not as a fae.

Rhysand wasn't any of that, truly. But no matter how many people assured you that he was good, you still couldn't shake off the unease inside you.

You walked down the aisle, towards him. His back to you, hands clasped behind him, powerful and gracious. Then he turned his head, and violet eyes made your knees tremble.

The High Lord of the Night Court, the most powerful of all lords, was also the most beautiful male you had ever seen.

As you were left standing next to him and the ceremony began, his expression as stoic as you expected, he subtly leaned his head to the side.

"I wish we had met under other circumstances," Rhys murmured.