Bad start

I took a deep breath as Riley stepped out of the SUV. She looked stunning, her light brown hair cascading over her shoulders, her green eyes scanning the courtyard with a mix of wariness and defiance.

Her black dress hugged her frame perfectly, highlighting her elegance and beauty. For a moment, I could only stare, captivated by her presence. But I quickly composed myself, reminding myself that I had to remain dignified.

"Welcome to my castle," I said, my voice steady. Riley nodded curtly, her eyes meeting mine with a cold intensity. She seemed unfazed, her expression giving nothing away.

I gestured for her to follow me inside, and we walked side by side through the grand entrance. The hall was adorned with luxurious tapestries and gilded mirrors, the marble floor gleaming under the crystal chandeliers.

I wanted to walk closer to her, to feel her presence beside me, but she deliberately kept a distance. The scent of her, a mix of roses and something uniquely her, was almost overwhelming, stirring emotions I tried to keep in check.

We made our way to the dining room, a grand space with a long mahogany table set with exquisite silverware and crystal glasses. The table was laden with a feast that showcased the finest culinary skills of our chefs. There was a roasted pheasant glazed with honey and spices, its skin crisp and golden.

Platters of sautéed vegetables, steamed with herbs, added vibrant colors to the table. There were bowls of creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich gravy boat stood nearby. Freshly baked bread, its crust crackling and warm, filled the room with a mouth-watering aroma. Desserts were already laid out, including a delicate chocolate mousse and an array of fruit tarts.

"Please, have a seat," I said, pulling out a chair for Riley. She sat down without acknowledging my gesture, her posture rigid and her eyes fixed on the table.

I took a seat across from her, trying to hide my disappointment. I had hoped for a warmer reception, but it was clear that Riley had not come here willingly. The tension between us was palpable, a heavy weight that settled over the room.

"Would you like some wine?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Sure," she replied, her tone clipped.

I poured her a glass of our finest red wine, then filled my own. "I hope the food is to your liking. Our chefs have prepared quite a spread."

Riley glanced at the table, her expression unreadable. "It looks... adequate," she said, her voice flat.

I bit back a sigh and picked up my fork. "Let's eat, then."

We ate in silence, the clinking of silverware the only sound. I watched her from the corner of my eye, noting how she moved with a grace that seemed almost effortless. But there was a coldness in her demeanor that cut me deeply. I had imagined this moment countless times, and it was nothing like I had hoped.

"How have you been?" I ventured, trying to break the ice.

Riley looked up, her green eyes piercing. "Fine," she said curtly. "And you?"

"Busy," I admitted. "There's always much to do here."

She nodded but said nothing more. The silence stretched on, becoming increasingly uncomfortable. I searched for something, anything, to talk about that might bridge the gap between us.

"I understand this must be difficult for you," I said softly, deciding to address the elephant in the room. "Coming here, being paired by the Perfect Match system..."

Riley's eyes flashed with anger. "You have no idea what's difficult for me," she said, her voice low and icy. "You took away someone I loved. Do you really think a system can just fix that?"

Her words stung, but I couldn't let my emotions show. "I'm sorry for what happened," I said, keeping my voice calm. "I never wanted to hurt you."

Riley scoffed, pushing her plate away. "Forgive me if I don't believe that."

I sighed, feeling the weight of her hatred pressing down on me. "I know it will take time, but I hope we can find some common ground. Maybe even... understand each other better."

She looked at me with a mixture of disbelief and disdain. "Understand each other? After everything that's happened?"

I met her gaze, willing her to see the sincerity in my eyes. "Yes. I believe it's possible."

Riley shook her head, a bitter smile on her lips. "You really are something else, Seraphine."

Before I could respond, a servant entered the dining room, bowing respectfully. "Your Highnesses, would you like to begin the tour of the castle?"

I stood up, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation. "Yes, I think that would be good."

Riley rose as well, her expression still guarded. As we left the dining room, I walked a little ahead, feeling her presence just behind me. The corridors of the castle were grand and imposing, filled with artwork and relics from our rich history. I tried to focus on the tour, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Riley, to the coldness in her eyes and the pain in her voice.

We walked through the Hall of Ancestors, where portraits of past rulers lined the walls. Each face told a story of power and legacy, and I wondered what our story would be. Would we be remembered for unity or for division?

"This castle has stood for centuries," I said, breaking the silence. "It's a testament to our strength and resilience."

Riley said nothing, her eyes scanning the portraits with a distant look. I could tell she was barely listening, her mind likely elsewhere.

We moved on to the library, a vast room filled with ancient tomes and manuscripts. "This is one of the largest collections of knowledge in our realm," I said. "Feel free to explore it whenever you wish."

Riley glanced around, but her interest seemed minimal. "Impressive," she said, her tone still cold.

I led her through the gardens next, where exotic plants and flowers bloomed in vibrant colors. "These gardens are maintained by the best horticulturists. Many of these species are unique to our realm."

Riley paused to look at a particularly striking flower, its petals a deep purple with veins of silver. "It's beautiful," she admitted reluctantly.

I smiled, taking her small admission as a victory. "I'm glad you think so."

Finally, we reached the royal chambers, where we would both be staying. The rooms were opulent, with large windows that offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. "These will be your quarters," I said, opening the door to a beautifully furnished room. "If there's anything you need, please let me know."

Riley stepped inside, looking around with a critical eye. "It's... adequate," she repeated, her tone giving nothing away.

I lingered at the doorway, feeling the weight of the moment. "I truly hope you find some peace here, Riley."

She turned to face me, her expression unreadable. "We'll see," she said, her voice softer but still distant.

I nodded, not knowing what else to say. "I'll leave you to get settled. Dinner will be served at seven."

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. The woman I loved was here, yet she seemed farther away than ever. But I wouldn't give up. I would do everything in my power to win her trust, to show her that I could be the partner she needed. It would take time, but I was determined to make things right.

For now, all I could do was hope.