The Kingdom of Avila was more refined than Olympus, Jason noticed as he was led through the castle. The architecture was colder as well, dark greys and stark whites which were less welcoming than the wood and light marble that decorated his father's palace.
The people were also much different he noted, as he saw several handmaidens attempting to discreetly stare at him. Their eyes followed him like hungry wolves, unlike how his father looked at the handmaidens that lived with them, or how his brother Heracles looked at his wife Megara. It disgusted Jason to be honest, but he had no choice but to ignore it, for he had a mission to complete - to meet his betrothed Reyna Avila, the crown princess.
They had been betrothed since her 12th birthday, nearly 6 months after his. They had met twice before, once when they were both babies and again as toddlers but Jason had no memory of either event. Hence, his unexpected visit. The guard he was with, gave him a small smile. "Her Highness will be excited to see you, I'm sure." He said and Jason nodded stiffly.
He was pretty sure she would not be, but he didn't dare say that. Finally, they made it to the princess's quarters and the guard who had accompanied him, began to speak to the other guard there. They spoke in Avilian for a moment before the second guard nodded and knocked on the door, gaining the princess's attention. They spoke in Avilian again before she said something back and his guard left. The doors to the princess's chambers opened and he saw her for the first time in nearly a decade.
The princess stared at him as Jason entered the room. She looked remarkably like the portrait of her mother that hung behind her. An elegant medium brown skinned face with eyes so dark they looked almost black. Her equally black hair was pulled into a low bun, the maroon and gold crown sitting atop her hair.
"Jason Invictus. Son of Jupiter Invictus and Beryl Grace." The guard held the door open as he also introduced Jason. He was an Asian man with close cropped hair. The princess stood up and bowed at the waist. "Fai you may go outside." She said and the guard nodded before drawing his weapon and stepping outside, the door still wide open. "Jason." She said simply as she walked towards Jason, her voice tight.
"Reyna Avila. Daughter of Bellona Praesidium and Julian Ramìrez-Arellano. My betrothed." He responded in kind, his eyes trailing her face as she looked at him.
Reyna sighed before speaking. "I wish you would not repeat those words but I know it is true." Jason stepped forward, confused. "What do you mean Your Highness?"
Reyna spoke again, her light Avilian accent coming through. "We are betrothed, yes, but the way you say it implies that you love me. You do not love me Jason Invictus. You love what I can do for you."
"That is not true." He said and Reyna shook her head. "You are doing this," she motioned to the space between them, "for your kingdom. For Olympus. Likewise, I am doing this for my kingdom. Avila needs me just like Olympus needs you. Unfortunately, I was born with the quote, 'wrong' parts. I will never get to be Queen the way you are King, Jason Invictus."
Jason began to protest but Reyna gave him a hard look. "It's better if we agree to this marriage and move on with our grievances Jason. I have no other choice and I imagine the same for you." She paused before speaking to her guard. "Fai! You may escort the Prince Consort back to his carriage."
The guard - Fai Jason corrected himself internally, walked back in, and motioned for Jason to follow him. Jason paused for a second, his eyes focusing on Reyna for a long moment. He wondered if he could do anything to change her opinion, to change how cold she seemed. He shook his head.
The Avilian princess was right. Their marriage was not one of love, but of convenience and politics. He would do better to act as such.