She stood dressed in her finest Water Tribe clothing, her head bowed not out of reverence, but of uncertainty. The boy before her was handsome, yes, but he was also known for his pride and arrogance. He was certainly not what she had envisioned as a young girl. She had always longed to wed a man of great integrity and bravery. Perhaps she would grow to love him in time.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," she said, her eyes still cast downward. What more could she say? She had no right to say anything else. If she dared object to the arrangement, she would be disgracing her family and herself. She would never be that selfish.
She could feel his eyes upon her, and it caused her to finally look up at him. It made her uncomfortable, but she could never ask him to stop. His eyes were nothing like her father's gentle eyes. His were judging, as if trying to decide if she was beautiful enough to marry. Of course, it did not matter if her looks met his standards. Marrying the Princess would be far more beneficial for him than a beautiful wife, wouldn't it? This had nothing to do with love; this was about power and politics. It had been decided that they would wed, and there was simply nothing she could do about it but obey her parents' wishes.
She moved her hair back, holding it so that her neck was exposed to the cold, ever-winter air. Without any words or promises of devotion, he placed the betrothal necklace around her neck. It was over before she had known. He simply grinned to himself, bid her goodbye, and that was the end of their engagement ceremony.
Yue touched the necklace upon her neck, and she shed a single tear. Perhaps he would learn to love her in time.