The Reason for Marriage

Iveca felt her hips moving almost of their own accord as she sat on him, Daniel’s moans intensifying whenever she made a move. This was no slow, deliberate act – they were lost in the lust of it, and their bodies were acting on instinct to draw each other close and experience every single movement of the other.

“Iveca…”

Daniel started thrusting like he could not hold on any longer, and Iveca’s vision turned white as his eruptions began inside her. His hands were on her hips as he pushed himself in as far as he could and Iveca delighted in his presence inside her; the sweet sensations overwhelming her and bringing her to her own shuddering climax astride him. She smiled as he rushed to reciprocate when she reached out with her hand. Though this happiness came with both pain and bliss, Iveca could feel those moments filling gaps in her heart, even as she felt empty again afterward.

Daniel did not let her go until she went limp, and he only returned to his calm self when she leaned against him in exhaustion. He was completely different from the passionate lover he had been just moments before as he consoled Iveca, his hands pressing her into him. Before too long, the topic of conversation had turned to the drafts of the constitution. Iveca didn’t mind this. It felt nice to be able to discuss her ideas and her work. Daniel took his usual, cautious route.

“You do not need to do it if you wish. There are other ways. Just the ten basic conditions are admirable.”

“…Your highness,” Iveca hesitated before speaking carefully, “I want to keep doing this, really. This role is important to me.”

“I thought as much,” Daniel smiled at her, “you’re hard to deter, Iveca.”

Iveca paused before speaking again. “There is something more I want to do.”

Daniel cocked his head out of curiosity. The puppy-like quality of it made Iveca smile. “What is it?” he asked.

“I want to bring in the commoners’ opinion, at least during the review.”

“Surely not the institution employees?”

“Yes.”

Daniel did not answer, but his look turned to one of concern as Iveca cautiously spoke.

“I always wondered why I had been so discriminated against, just because of being born with different blood. I thought I would be run out, and I would not be able to sincerely pledge my loyalty to Giselle, even if she is an Amethan.”

Iveca knew this was dangerous territory to be discussing with Daniel. She was going to tell him about Roseley without thinking if Daniel said something back to her. However, he remained silent, and Iveca found the courage to speak calmly and allay her nerves a little.

“I thought commoners may think such things, so perhaps just hearing their opinion…”

“While I know that you have good intentions, Iveca,” Daniel said, cutting across her words with an almost indifferent look on his face, “I have different ideas. I always think of power dynamics first and foremost rather than ideologies.” His voice was soft but cold. “However, smart and rich commoners are just the sort of ones to be attracted to republicanism. If we let them have some say, they would not be able to say that ‘the King does not hear us.’ I will accept your proposal for that reason.”

Iveca felt a little disappointed by his response. She had the approval she had wanted, but she had also thought Daniel would understand more clearly why she was doing this. However, his words told her that he was setting clear boundaries.

“Iveca, I am not weakening the sovereign power because I seek justice. I am doing this for us. I want to avoid a civil war; I desire peace, even if it is a precarious one. I spend cash like water, so those with progressive ideas are not swayed by republicanism. It is not because I am merciful.”

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Iveca thought Daniel’s blue eyes were colder now. When he spoke like this, she remembered that he was a King. She felt distanced from him as he told her the facts behind his decision. Even if he did not kill someone and was a good man, he was not a King seeking a utopia for his people. If they finished the Magna Carta, Daniel would speak for it using words such as justice, human rights, equality, and freedom. However, he was just afraid for the worst. Was he a great King? Or just a calculating and smart leader? Maybe, Iveca thought sadly, she would never know.

“That is why,” Daniel smiled like he could read Iveca’s mind, “this is something you have to do, and not a selfish person like me.”

Iveca understood his words immediately. He was a King first and foremost and did not believe in justice. He was just stepping back somewhat for peace, relinquishing a little control for the ultimate goal. That was why he did not act, or appear to act, in this matter. Daniel did not believe in himself. He, however, trusted her with this.

“Iveca, be confident in every step. I am always on your side.”

His lips brushed her forehead, and Iveca closed her eyes. Obvious words. She did not know how much she had needed to hear them. Her heart trembled. She wanted to be needed by him and give back what she could for his words, repay him in kind. Iveca wanted to stand next to him with confidence.