Chapter 1:

"But mother I don't wish to go!" Hermione whined. She had been distraught the past month after learning of her future engagement.

"It isn't a matter of what you wish to do, it's for the kingdom. A good queen knows what she must and mustn't do for her people. Your father and I were arranged."

"After you had already met each other!" Hermione continued complaining. It's what she seemed to find herself doing often. That or reading in the castle library. It was always off putting for the maids. To see such a woman of high class in such an odd place. Most royals were off in their chambers, court, or classes they would have with personal teachers.

"The Black kingdom says this is the only way they'll stop fighting. You know how big they are on royal marriages. Prince Draco is a kind young man you'll be fine" her mother, Queen Emma, rolled her eyes. Her daughter was turning eighteen today and was being married off as a peace treaty. She hated the idea. The idea of her only child living far away, to be married to one of the people they've raged war against. However bad it was, she had to stay strong for Hermione so she could make it through this marriage alive.

"Well I hear he's horrid. He's a Black after all. We've been fighting them for three years mother, you think this will appease them? What if they hold me hostage, or beat me, or treat me like dirt, or-" Hermione would've continued if not for her father finally intervening in the conversation by holding his hand up. "You will do as we request and marry him. He's young, good looking, and talented with a sword. What more could you want? Many young women swoon at the sight of him. In both kingdoms." He finished before Hermione could interject.

"Intelligence, maybe knowing him beforehand. These would all be lovey father." Hermione pouts as she looks out the carriage window.

"Have you thought about how this effects him. He probably isn't too ecstatic about this arrangement either. And in that mutual loathing. Perhaps you two could find love."

"Doubtful. What about the queen. She'll hate me"

"Perhaps, but that's just the risk you'll have to take. We've made sacrifices for the kingdom and this is yours. Enjoy your time as much as you can. I hear they have a library larger than ours. Almost no one is ever in it. Full of dust and knowledge waiting for your ample mind to decode and retain."

Knowledge. Books. Her weak spots. Her father knew this and was trying to sugar coat the fact she's marry a man she did not like and would have to consummate with. Even give him children. She shuddered at the idea. She always thought she'd loose her womanhood to a young, kind prince. With some freckles. A foot taller than her. He'd sweep her off her feet in the royal garden and kiss her like his life depended on it. Then back in her room they'd spend the night caressing and loving each other.

Now she had to marry the opposite of her perfect prince. She was marrying a cold, quick tempered young man. With a stern gaze and a head covered in icy locks. He was known to be respectful but never kind.

Never warm.

Never loving.

Save for his mother of course. Or the queen who he was seen with often. The queen. Hermione would have to be with her. Eat royal dinners, congregate, touch even. Handshakes of course, queen Bellatrix didn't seem like someone to be in your personal space. She was stern too. But unlike her nephew, with one look she had sent grown men crumbling. Her aura just screamed 'better than you'. But Hermione would determine that for herself once they arrived at the castle. If she even saw her.

Draco's mother would be present. For the handing off of Hermione. Princess Narcissa was Draco's mother. The queens sister. She was told to be as icy as her sons hair. Her own hair bright blonde with white skin and piercing blue eyes. She was intelligent and cunning. While her sister made battle plans, Narcissa made kingdom plans. How their weapons were made. The best blacksmiths in the kingdom were hired by her. She seemed cautious about everything, secretive. Not nearly as much as her husband however. Her husband, lord Lucius Malfoy, was the head of advisors for the queen. A high title for such a rat of a man as he was. His past was blurry. Some scrabbled across seas. Illegally smuggling sacred texts to other kingdoms. All for he queen he would say. However queen Bellatrix didn't seem too fond of him. Unlike Draco where she was described as nice, even caring if you can believe.

"We're here hunny" her mothers voice cut through her thoughts.

Hermione looked out the window again to see the kingdom. They still rode through the commonwealth, but the castle was as clear as day. Huge was the first word that came to mind. It was stunning. Black, but it almost seemed to sparkle in the mid October day. With the graying skies, the castle seemed to almost be a diamond in a pile of coal. It's size was made more apparent when they finally stopped and got out of the carriage. With a clear astronomy tower, a dark figure could been seen lurking. As soon as Hermione looked however, it disappeared. They walked up to the entrance, the castle towering above them by hundreds of feet.

"Right this way your majesties." A polite young man in armor said. He had his helmet off so his red hair was sticking out atop his head. He was cute, freckles, tall, warm smile. He had a mark on the front of his chest plate to show he was a chief. Second in command to the Black kingdoms Royal Guard. Hermione wondered where the second chief was, as the two chiefs in a guard usually stayed apart. That was besides the point Hermione told herself as her mother grabbed her bicep to lead her into the main hall.

They walked into the grand hall to be greeted by princess Narcissa. Prince Malfoy lurking behind her. Like a scared puppy, hermione thought. She laughed a bit to herself under her breath. Her father took it as a sign she was making fun of them and his look silenced her quickly.

"Princess Hermione! King John, queen Emma! What a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance. We've been waiting all month with much excitement." Princess Narcissa greeted them each other a handshake and a hug for hermione. It took her by surprise to say the least. A Black hugging her(Or rather a Malfoy but still). Happy to see her. The spawn of the two people they were at war with. Well that would end soon.

"Maybe you've been excited." Prince Draco muttered in the background. His displeasure apparent. He looked around as if searching for an out of this conversation. Or a person. Perhaps the queen to come rescue him? Hermione didn't know but she approached him regardless. Summoning all of her manners she curtsied respectfully. Prince Draco seemed to not be expecting this and coughed a bit as he got his confusion under control. He bowed back respectfully. He clearly wasn't expecting her to be civil. Let alone beautiful. The summer may have been ugly and disastrous but Hermione grew into a true women during he time. A flower in the storm.

"Pleasure to meet you princess Hermione. We've been anxiously awaiting your arrival." He replied civilly. "I too have been waiting to meet you, I've heard a lot" Hermione left it at that. Not wanting to mention how the staff back at home gossiped about his looks and intelligence. She didn't need to ego boost him this early into their courtship.

Courtship.

That was right. Why they were even there in the first place. To marry each other. Two people barely of age. Marrying to stop a war. Nothing anyone should have to do, and yet here they were. Awkwardly standing there trying to avoid eye contact as their parents talked about arrangements and other tedious things. "I apologize my husband couldn't be here. His business keeps him busy, which can be nice, however he tends to miss many royal meetings." Miss Malfoy said. A smile still clear in her face, it almost looked forced. Almost.

"Is no trouble at all. I'm sure you two can assist Hermione to her living quarters just fine. And we've just finished all of the details for this stay. So I'd say we're all good." Her father said. Quick to want to leave the enemies den. "Her mother looked at her "We'll be visiting on holidays. Or ceasefire days when it's important. Even royal dinners if we have time." She was smiling but the tears in her eyes gave away her true feelings. "Don't worry queen Emma, Hermione is in safe hands here at the Black castle. She will be fed regular meals and schooled appropriately alongside Draco." Miss Malfoy declared.

Hermione hugged her parents. A few tears slipping down as she realized their next visit wouldn't be for months. She would be here alone. With no friends or people she knew. Just her. With her future husband and in-laws. It was a lot more frightening than it sounded in her head. She didn't know these people and these people didn't know her. All they knew was what the could read. Speaking of reading-

"Hermione would you like a quick tour of the castle before we escort you to your room?" Miss Malfoy asked as Draco summoned a maid to take her luggage away. "Oh, yes, uh yes, I would love that thank you." She replied. Miss Malfoy nodded and grabbed her arm to loop with hers. They stalked the halls. Narcissa prowling about like a dangerous lion with a lamb trotting beside her. I'm sure for someone who doesn't know about the marriage this must be quite the sight. Draco trailed behind them a few feet clearly uninterested in being apart of the tour, but being unable to leave due to his mother gazing at him occasionally. Telling him to stay with her eyes as he tried to sneak off a few times.

They pasted the kitchen, storage, maid hall where's the maids slept, several drawing rooms, battle room, which she wasn't allowed in for obvious reasons, and finally the library. "I saved this for last, Ive heard you enjoy reading scrolls and stories. Always wanting to learn more." Miss Malfoy said finally letting go of her arm. "I do thank you for showing me, it's huge! I knew it'd be big but wow." Hermione was in awe of the library. Scrolls covered in dust, books stacked on shelves of in piles everywhere. It was overflowing.

"Yes, Draco likes to spend time in here, maybe you two could bond over a book?" She laughs to herself as if it's some cute inside joke. Hermiones sure it was but doesn't push it. "I have to warn you however, my sister, the queen as you know, likes to lurk and skulk here often. She leers in the shadows like an animal waiting for its prey. Oh but don't fret!" Miss Malfoy cuts when she sees Hermiones frightened face. "She won't hurt you. It'd compromise the treaty and both sides need this war to end. She may tease you a bit but please don't take it to heart. I'm sure she won't want much to do with you so no need to worry yourself." Miss Malfoy finishes, a small grin on her face. "Come among I'll show you your room."

"This is where you'll stay for the rest of your time here. That is until you and Draco marry. They you'll stay in the same room, but the marriage is a ways away so we won't dally on that. Breakfast is at seven am in the grand dinning hall. Bella likes to take her meals away from the family so you probably won't see her for awhile. Lunch is served between eleven to one am, whenever you wish to have it just tell the cooks. Dinner is in the grand dinning hall at 6pm. Bella also won't join us unless it's one of the monthly royal dinners. Draco will tell you when those are and when they're coming up." Miss Malfoy opened her door, a beautiful black wood with a red handle for knocking.

Inside it was beautiful. Intricately carved wood wardrobes. King bed with deep red sheets that felt like heaven at the slightest touch. The bed lay in the center of the room. Pushed back against the wall, with two candle lamps on either side. The drawers empty ready to be filled. A fireplace to the right of the bed, next to the bathroom. Hermione walked over to the bathroom to inspect it. "Draco will come escort you to dinner today later. See you princess." And with that miss malfoy had left. Draco close behind her.

The bathroom was just as amazing as the bedroom. With a pearl white floor and a porcelain tub. The whole bathroom kept the wood aesthetic. The bathtub was square and surrounded by a wooden frame. The same dark wood as the furniture. The sink had lower cabinets for her items and the toilet had a wooden toilet paper wrack.

A bath. Before dinner. That's what I need. Hermione thought already stripping. She ran the water and climbed into the tub. Hermione had felt more relaxed in that moment than she had in months. Sure the baths at her castle were nice but this one. She could fully stretch out and more. It was almost like a pool and Hermione was loving it. She was finishing up with her bath and right as she wrapped the towel around her, a knock came from the door.

"Yes?"

"It's Draco, I'm here to escort you to dinner if you're ready." The man behind the door said. He seemed a bit impatient as to have to escort her. She was a grown woman after all. Hermione haven't realized how long she had bathed. It certainly gave her time to think over the events that had happened earlier in the day. "One moment I just got out of the bath haha." Hermione replied. She could hear shuffleling on the outside of the door and knew Draco was embarrassed she would share such things. She could've said for him to wait. She was a princess after all. She needn't any explanations. However she had wanted to make Draco uncomfortable. Maybe because if was funny, maybe because it was rude. Hermione had not yet decided. She dressed in one of her light blue dresses. A color of her kingdom. And opened the door for a waiting Draco.

He was dressed nicely. In a collared white shirt and a black vest over top. He stood straight as Hermione's sure he was taught all of his life to do. He missed something however. It could've been because of how emotionless he looked, but Hermione deduced he was missing soul. He looked distant in the eyes and his pale completion didn't help. There WAS something nice about him, how he seemed almost gentle. Hermione had read he was more of a philosopher. Studying tunes and ancient texts instead of gallivanting around with swords with other young men his age. That was good if he was going to be her husband. When, he would be her husband. She didn't want a fighter. She wanted someone with intelligence, whose eyes sparkled with mischief and opportunities. How their eyebrow would crease when they looked at something they had to break down. Little things.

Hermione takes his offered arm, ready to get the dinner over with and to perhaps sneak a peak back in the library.

They walk down the grand stair case to enter he entrance hall and make a left to the royal dinning area. Past the doors Miss Malfoy and Lord Lucius awaited them at one of the smaller tables away from the long one. Usually reserved for royal meetings or special holiday occasions. They walked over to the small table where Draco pulled out her chair and she sat alongside him and Miss Malfoy. Lord Lucius in front of her and to Draco's left. "So, how has your stay been so far? I haven't seen you explore yet." Miss Malfoy was going kept the conversation light throughout the dinner. Smart. Don't want to make it awkward but don't want to get too personal on Hermiones first day. "It was lovely. The bathroom and bed are just to die for." Hermione jokes a bit. Lucius eyes her as if she were a strange new creature to be discovered. His eyes filled with curiosity and manipulation. Hermione was prepared for the question before he even asked. "So do you find our son to your liking? I like to think we've trained him well." A trick question, one to make Hermione show how she really felt. However she was ready "Prince Draco has been very accommodating so far. I'm sure his manners and behavior are quite good." It was neutral for the most part. Throwing out how his manners should be good, but hinting at the fact he might not be perfect as they would want. She glances at Draco however. His father had, in a way, belittled him. By saying how they've trained him well it almost made Draco seem like a dog. It was horrible.

The food was served soon after the small talk had died off. Draco had yet to input anything, and Miss Malfoy had yet to ask him too. They ate mostly in silence. Miss Malfoy interjecting ever now and then to ask Hermione personal questions. Childhood stories. Favorite memories. School grades. This topic really spiked her interest as Hermione stated she had only ever gotten perfect scores on. Well on everything. It was no secret the young woman was smart but when Miss Malfoy had heard this she looked to Draco. "Seems we made a good decision in your marriage to Hermione. It makes sure you marry higher than one of those Greengrass women and helps stop the war. I'd say it's a win-win, wouldn't you Lucious?" Lord Malfoy only grunts in response. Not too interested in his sons affairs.

"If I may ask, you said the queen takes her meals somewhere else besides here. May I ask where?" Hermiones treads carefully. She doesn't know how touchy the subject of the queen is yet. They haven't willingly mentioned her at all her except when they said Hermione won't see her often. "Bella likes to eat in the astronomy tower. Where she'll watch the stars and map constellations. We have a naming tradition in this family if you haven't caught on already. Where our children are named after stars or constellations. I think that's why our family likes it so much. We've made such big advances because of it."

Oh

"So she never eats meals with anyone?" Hermione hadn't known what had struck up this curiosity for the queen. All she knew was she wanted to know more. To meet this 'god' as they called her. I mean she is here isn't she? "No. Unless it's a royal meeting or a family holiday when our relatives all come here for a week. You could see her around I'm sure if you visit the astronomy tower or the library she'll be there. Brooding no doubt." Lord Malfoy laughs at this. Jokes about 'Bella', as Miss Malfoy had called her, seemed to be what he took pleasure in most. Dinner ended just as clock struck 7:30 and Hermione excuses herself from dessert

Hermione wandered down to the library. Or hoped she was. Hermione had never been one to forget things or get lost, but it would happen rarely. She made it too the thick oak doors eventually and creaked them open. Only a few candles lit the room. Placed strategically, as to not cause a fire hazard to the room or it's precious treasures. Hermione ran her fingers over the spines of books. She figured she'd save the scrolls for another time incase the philosophers didn't want her touching them. They are old, things rip. As she walked the halls of the library she found a stair case. It was in the middle of the circle shaped room surrounded by curved shelves that stocked the books.

Climbing the stairs, Hermione found more books. Older ones. Ranging from wars to best gardening strategies. It was funny. How two seemingly opposite things would be so near each other. She laughed.

"I didnt know books told jokes. If I had maybe I'd spend more time up here." They voice frightened her and she jumped back. Turning around just as quickly she spotted Draco. Not at the top of the stairs but nearly there, still holding on the the railing. "I thought you might be here. I'd recommend being careful in this top level. Aunt Bella likes to wait for maids and such to scare them to their wits end. It's cruel but one of her few joys. Mother likes to call this her second home. Her first being the astronomy tower, which we call her nest." Draco smiles to himself at the cute titles they give the queens hiding places. He seems to truly love her and her company. And that gives Hermione hope that they're all not that bad.

"I'm sorry I hadn't realized she came up here. It's so dusty I didn't think anyone came up here, ever."

"No need to apologize, she only keeps it dusty to trick people like yourself into falling in her trap. She's odd like that. Enjoys terrorizing those below her. Not that you're bellow her!" Draco finished quickly looking ashamed he had in a way insulted his future wife. "It's alright Draco. I understand that being a queen comes with titles and being a Black on top of that, she is burdened with a lot. And no spouse to help." Draco almost flinches at the mention of his aunt Bella's old husband. They didn't talk about Rodolphus. Ever. His aunt Bella forbid the castle to even whisper his name. She would tell the staff it was polite, for mourning reasons, and the family would stay silent. Knowing the true reason.

"Yeah but she's better alone. Clear mindset. It's what helped us win so many battles." Finally. The reason she was here at all. The war. Draco knew the subject was touchy but still engaged it. "Yes I've heard she's a great warrior. She was knighted before she was queen wasn't she?" Hermione asked wanting to get off the subject of war. "Yes she was, by my grandfather. Heard he was the first person to ever knight a woman. Since then we have two other women in training." It was definitely uncommon for a woman knight, but since Bellatrix it wasn't completely unheard of.

"That's incredible. We may have been at war but she is a great ruler. The advancements she's made." Hermione would've continued but Draco's mood soured and it was noticeable by his face. "Just because we are to marry will not stop this war. It continues now and it will still continue. Your people only attack us more. Thinking we're holding you hostage or something. Their darling princess on the hands of the enemy. Don't be so naive. I thought you were supposed to be smart." With that Draco stormed out of the library. Clearly angry at her assumption everything was okay now.

Hermione knew she'd have to make a public speak eventually. If not to declare to her people that's he's fine, the to announce when the wedding would be. It would take time. The people would want to know that there was a courting going on. That both mutually wanted this. If the people thought that their heir on big sides was content, only then would the war stop. She knew it'd take time, lots of time. Hermione didn't know if she'd ever get used to Draco. His stoic posture, piercing eyes, and lack of sympathy. It created a man almost opposite of the one she'd always dream of marrying.

She shook the thoughts of war and marriage away again. No matter how much she'd try to forget the war always loomed. It didn't matter now. In this moment Hermione was alone. Alone with ancient books just waiting for her brain to scavenge through. She walked around looked for something to peak her interest. One book inparticualar was already sticking out. A dark book. Decorated with green jewels and one word engraved on the cover.

Black.

Hermione was careful to not damage it as it looked centuries old. She opened the book and started reading. 'The Most Nobel and Ancient House Black dates back to the olden days. When crossing the sea was impossible and swords were made of bronze. They ruled. With iron fists and a smirk to complete the facade. Blacks have always looked terrifying in battle. It's tradition for the first son-' this part looked scratched out. Now the word 'firstborn' written above in almost a child's handwriting. 'to be trained in battle by the best knights and warriors in the land. We start with O'ryan the First, the first of The Black House to become a king and start the well known tradition of naming the future children of the family after stars of constellations. O'ryan is well known for starting the Black kingdom-' the book went on but Hermione skipped to the end. Not really interested in the kingdoms beginnings.

She got near the end when something caught her eye. 'The Black kingdom during his time was falsely accused of assassinating the Old King. A piece of cloth seemingly cut during a struggle was found in the Old Kings room, with the Black emblem on it. The royal family has no ties to the assassination yet queen Emma and the king declare war.' Hermione stopped. The Black kingdom denies having any connection to her grandfathers assassination. Did her parents know? Did they go to war anyway without asking about it? It was questionable but then again. The Black family was known to lie to achieve their end goal. But what goal would come of lying and starting a war? They could've told the truth and the same outcome would've happened. So why lie?

The question ran through her mind for what seemed like hours. However when a clock downstairs chimes letting her know it was only ten o'clock. Hermione knee it was time to leave. She thought about reading up on queen Bellatrix from the point of view of this kingdom. Everything she had read at home was very incriminating of the queen. Made her seem almost evil. Godlike. She wondered if the same went for The Black Kingdoms books. She would know later. For now Hermiones new bed awaited her.

She was walking back down a hall leading to her room when she was stopped by none other than Lord Malfoy. "Can I help you?" Hermione asked politely trying to remove the hand connected to her forearm. "My son is an encredible man. Smart, cunning, handsome. He may no be the best fighter but it's because he hasn't applied himself." His eyes radiated pride. As they should. His son was one of the best. A bit skinny but nothing to be ashamed of. "I understand this. Prince Draco is a lovely young man. I'm sure we will discuss books and ancient texts soon. I've heard he likes runes and understanding them." She looks around. The hall's deserted, and the only exit could be her bedroom door. Unfortunately it was a few doors down and Lord Malfoy stood in her way. Hand gripped to her arm. She'd need another bath after this encounter. If she had the time.

"Yes he's exceptionally interested in philosophy. A waste for a future king but I'm sure he'll shape up soon. Besides the point. You need to keep your mouth under control. I'm here to make sure you don't say anything to incriminate us or our kingdom. It's imperative you just play your part. Marry him. Keep him happy. And eventually give him sons." Lord malfoy finally relented on his death hold to her arm. "Girls are fine. Bella thinks they're superior to men, she's a fool." Hermiones gasped at this, no one was allowed to insult the queen. Then again Lord Malfoy was family to the queen. It was still frowned upon in pubic, but they weren't in public.

They were in the Black castle.

Alone.

Having a not so friendly talk.

"Sons are what will carry this family through these times. It's what keeps the line going. Look at Bellatrix. The Black line will end with her because she won't have a child. You will learn from her mistakes. And give my son children. It will be awhile but it will happen. Best you're prepared now before it sneaks up on you one day." And with that lord Malfoy left. Walking past her towards the stairs. No doubt going to find his wife. Perhaps Draco, to tell him about what he just told her. It wouldn't be a shock if Draco already knew of his fathers intended conversation with her. That would be something she asked him about later.

Bed. That's what I need. My bed. Now.

And that's what Hermione did. She stripped down. Put on her wonderful pajamas the Old King had gotten her for her fifteenth birthday, and curled under the covers. This was her space. Her room. No one could bother her here. No one to sneak up on her. Have conversations of marriage and children to someone she barely knew. No. Here, right now, In this bed with it's dark red sheets. Hermione was Hermione. Not a princess. But just a young woman. Too young to be worrying of the types of things she was. Too young to be married off. But yet.

Here we are.