Coming to an Understanding (Part 1)

I was slowly heading over to the marital chambers. I had a lot to think about these past few hours. Normally, I would never agree to be in an arranged marriage. I have never even heard of someone my age getting into an arranged marriage where I was from. But the fact that I transmigrated after getting married and divorce was outlawed in this kingdom was a huge problem.

How behind the times is this kingdom? There must be lot of couples in the kingdom that were miserable in their marriages and were forced to stay in toxic environments. What happened when someone was having an affair? I guess it something I will naturally learn about once I get to know more people from this kingdom.

Since I was forced to accept that the marriage between me and Rebecca was permanent, the best thing I could do was try to have a positive relationship with her. As long as we could respect each other, we could each have our own lovers so that we could both be with someone we loved regardless of the arranged marriage we were forced into. We both deserve to find love and happiness regardless of our circumstances.

But before I jumped straight to having secret lovers, I hope we can both put in a legitimate effort into loving each other. That would be the least messy solution to our problems and I think the chance that we could be a good couple is at least greater than zero. I just need to make sure that Rebecca doesn't feel pressured to be with me. If love grows between us, I want it to be as natural as possible. If either one of us is not happy with the relationship, I want us to feel safe enough to break up and find someone who is more compatible even if technically we cannot divorce.

I am a hopeless romantic who really believes in true love. I don't want to play by this old fashioned kingdoms rules. Especially as a Duke, I should be able to accommodate Rebecca enough to give her freedom to do what she feels is the right choice for her happiness.

With all my thoughts sorted, I knocked on the door of our marital chambers. I was told that Rebecca should already be inside. I was a little nervous to speak to my wife I did not know for the first time

"Come in." A seductive voice called from inside.

Gulp. I entered the room and found Rebecca standing in the center wearing only a thin nightgown.

She whispered "I didn't think you would come after what happened at the ceremony, but I know I must perform my duty as a wife."

Rebecca started walking towards me. Getting my first good look at her, she was exactly my type. Her thin light brown hair had a slight curl at the ends. It looked so smooth and soft I could probably run my fingers through it for hours on end without getting bored. Her hazel eyes were so captivating I could stare at them for days. She also had a cute button nose and a few small freckles on her cheeks. I didn't want to take advantage and stare at her body in the thin nightgown since I was not planning to sleep with her any time soon, but from the little I ended up catching a glimpse of, she was definitely a very sexy woman.

To top it all off, her face that was mostly emotionless had a maturity that drew me in. Even though we should be able the same age. What hardships did she have to endure to have such maturity?

As I snapped back to reality after the momentary trance that Rebecca put me under, she was raising her arms to put them around my neck. Before she could put her arms around me, I took off the coat I was wearing and put it on her shoulders.

"Rebecca, we need to talk. It will take a while and I don't want you to get cold."

I could tell she was shocked by the sudden change of plans. For a fleeting moment, I could see what I assume was relief on her face before she returned to her standard emotionless expression.

"Ok."