Disclaimer: This fanfic is rated 'E' for adult themes which will come into effect later on in the story. I do not own any of the characters of The Hunger Games or Betrothed, although I wish I did, and have taken creative liberties with respect to character traits and canon elements.

Chapter 6 – The Anxious Groom

"What news from the Seam?" Peeta glanced over to his vizier as he tugged on his boots. Seneca was hunched over a table in the far corner, a hand to his brow as though the very mention of the Seam pained him.

"They are restless, Your Highness. They attempt to sabotage every action we take to send our emissaries into the village."

The day of his wedding had finally arrived, but with it only more disappointing news from the realm. One of the Council's requests was to conduct a census of the Seam. But the task was proving more difficult than he'd anticipated, for anyone he sent into the village was met with either distrust or hostility.

Reports from his generals were riddled with incidents that had been traced back to a small band of Seam rebels. Although their mischief had remained manageable, they grew bolder with each passing day. The quicker he addressed the Council's directives, the sooner he could send the better part of his troops back to the Capitol, not to mention the nobles. Perhaps then those from the Seam would lose the look of fear on their faces, and he could finally put into motion his plans.

Now that he would be staying indefinitely, thanks to his Eternal, he was even more determined to expedite the changes he knew were necessary for the betterment of the Twelfth Realm. Long before his arrival, he'd formulated a list of all he wished to accomplish during his station. His plans, however, hinged on gaining the trust of the Seam. But good intentions meant nothing when the people he was sent to govern held not an ounce of respect for the crown…including his soon-to-be-wife.

At just the thought of her, his aura flickered to life and warmth prickled his skin. The glowing light that appeared the night the bond with his Eternal had formed was now a part of him. It connected them in ways he was only starting to comprehend.

Once the initial shock of the reaping ceremony had passed, he'd been quick to summon the Head Priest and his advisors. Peeta had been silent as the men debated the unexpected turn of events. A select few argued the validity of the ceremony, even going so far as to speculate if the heritage of his Eternal was somehow a dark omen. If the Head Priest's response that the goddesses sometimes worked in mysterious ways hadn't been enough to shut the fools up, then Peeta's death glare had.

Whoever dared to refute his blessing from the goddesses did not deserve a seat at his table or within his court. Did they truly believe such insolence would go unpunished? The "how" or the "why" did not matter. All that mattered was that he'd found his Eternal. What he needed to know now was what would come next.

To his displeasure, their collective knowledge of Eternals had been limited to the traditional reaping ceremony rituals. When it came to what he was to expect from his newly formed bond with his Eternal, he had been met with silence and blank stares. Beyond the surficial information that was part of his education, the finer details were only speculation. And with his Eternal hailing from the Seam? It only introduced another layer of complexity, for no one knew what to make of her.

After exhausting every resource he had on hand, Peeta had ordered each royal library to send forth every text and scroll on the subject. But until they arrived, he was on his own to navigate this new territory. Something that he'd been quick to confirm, however, was that the aura that emanated from him each time his betrothed crossed his mind was thankfully invisible to everyone else. Otherwise, Finnick would never let him hear the end of it. Of the effect his Eternal already had on him.

At the insistence of Seneca and his advisors, Peeta had kept his distance from his betrothed. Despite his burning curiosity about her, they thought it best to give her time to adjust to their recent life-changing events. He was hesitant at first to agree, but the growing desperation to seal their bond was proving more difficult to manage than he'd expected.

She'd taken him by surprise the previous day, busting into his privy chambers unannounced. He'd underestimated not only the physical pull she had on him but the slew of emotions that came with it. Everything had felt heightened the moment she was in his presence. He'd wanted to tear his guards apart for laying a hand on her which, despite the facade he donned as a Prince of the Blood, he would never before consider following through with. But he had seen red that moment and his reaction had been unsettling.

And when they were finally alone? Oh how naive he was, thinking he could control himself for long. The war that waged between his conscience and instincts made Peeta reconsider his willpower. He was determined not to let his baser instincts rule him. After today, once the ceremony was complete, things would get easier. Or so he prayed.

And so he had given her—or rather himself—space. But that did not mean she was ever far from his thoughts.

"And my betrothed, how is she?"

Seneca frowned. "Still as feral as ever. She chases away every servant in her presence. They can only attend to her chambers when she is away, which is rare. Can you not do something to control her?"

The corner of Peeta's mouth lifted. Instincts told him controlling a wildfire would be easier than controlling his Eternal. She could burn him alive if she so chose, and given his current state, he would gladly succumb to it if it meant he could keep her.

"And her request for her family?" he asked, blatantly ignoring Seneca's question.

"Taken care of and already in the works, Sire," he said with a wave of his hand. "But I thought it important to note that she has not made much of an effort at court."

That was no surprise.

"She keeps to the company of her maid," Seneca continued. "A young girl from the Eleventh Realm. And just recently, that horseman from the Seam that you insisted we hire. How will she learn our ways if she is absent from court and continues to reject us at every turn?"

Peeta hid his mirth with a clearing of his throat. When he had instructed Seneca to hire a handful of locals to restore the castle gardens, repair the crumbling walls, and tend to the horses, he was certain his vizier would pass out. But it was all part of his plan. What better way to build trust with the Seam than with the precedent as a fair employer? If all went as he hoped, more would follow once the nobles finally departed.

"I will find someone trusted who is capable and willing to guide her in the ways of the court. In the meantime, she is free to do as she likes, and seek the company of whomever she prefers."

Peeta leaned back into his seat and rubbed a finger across his chin. Perhaps Lady Madge could look in on his betrothed. And then after the ceremony, she could make an effort to befriend her and be a mentor of sorts to the ways of life at court.

"And the ceremony, is everything set?"

"Yes, Sire. However, being this far away from the Capitol, we could only do so much. With your Eternal as the first blessed to the crown in over three hundred years, I had wished for a more…extravagant affair to mark the occasion. But we have made the most with what we can."

Seneca riffled through his pile of parchments and tugged one free. "Word from His Royal Highness the King. Unfortunately, he sends his regrets for the ceremony but will send word when a more suitable time to visit presents itself."

Peeta frowned, but the news was not a surprise.

Over the past decade, not much had piqued the King's interest enough to leave his Capitol stronghold. Yet one would think the first Eternal blessed to their line in centuries would be reason enough to tolerate the journey out to the farthest realm. But Peeta suspected his father's absence from a royal wedding was more a matter of pride on the King's account. And partly the influence of his primary mistress, who still strove to be the center of attention in any courtroom no matter the occasion. The King's next letter would no doubt be a summons to the Capitol court to present his new bride to all the curious nobles.

Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, for the King's presence would be akin to throwing a bucket of oil on the already growing blaze that was the situation with the Seam.

"Any news from my brothers?"

"None from Prince Graeme, however with his recent station in the Fourth Realm and the King's directive to assess the royal fleet, we believe the news has yet to reach him." Seneca paused and pulled another parchment from the pile. "As for Prince Rilen, he sends his regrets for the ceremony but says he will be here for the…coronation?" Seneca looked up and narrowed his eyes. "What coronation?"

Peeta stretched out his arms before settling them behind his head. "For the Princess. Once we are married, my Eternal will become a Princess of the Blood and rightly deserves a coronation befitting of the title. Don't you agree?"

The vizier's pinched features said otherwise. "But Sire, nowhere in the ancient texts does it say such a ceremony is required. And in the King's absence, who would oversee the proceedings?"

"Myself, of course."

As much as Seneca looked to argue, the vizier would hold his tongue. As a Prince of the Blood, Peeta had full rights to crown his future heirs, and had confirmed twice that there was no law stating his authority did not extend to his Eternal.

Seneca cleared his throat, the fight receding from his eyes. "And when will this coronation take place?"

"A week from today. I see no need to delay such a matter, especially given the increasing nuisance of the Seam rebels."

Peeta hoped the tension with the Seam would fade once they witnessed one of their own with a crown upon her head and seated at his side. Perhaps then they would consider listening to what it was he had to offer, instead of fighting him at every opportunity.

The vizier eventually conceded with a sharp nod. "Very well then. As for today's ceremony and your bride-to-be, the last I heard from the maids was that she had rejected the wedding dress you so generously provided. But after much coaxing, she eventually conceded but insisted on modifications."

"As long as there is time to accommodate them, give her what she wants."

His Eternal would be the center of attention today, so he had sent her the dress to ensure she did not feel even more out of place amongst the nobles. If she preferred to wear the traditional ceremonial dress of her people, he would respect her choice.

"Your Highness, perhaps it is not my place, but I do not like how much leniency you allow her. Would it not be wise to set the precedent now as to what is expected of her as a Princess of the Blood? She should not be allowed to carry on as she does, with utter disrespect to all she encounters. She is your guest, as we all are, and the sooner she is tamed, the easier it will be for the court."

Easier for the court? Perhaps it was his court that needed to be more accepting of the people and lands they were visiting.

"Watch your words," Peeta said, his tone flat yet laced with a threat. He stood and crossed his arms over his chest. "After today, she will be your Princess. The sooner you and everyone else accept her as my wife and Eternal, the easier it will be for everyone."

Enough was enough. He needed to prepare himself for the ceremony. As a form of dismissal, Peeta motioned to the door with a lift of his chin, and with a heavy breath, Seneca collected his things and excused himself.

The man meant well, but he was too set in the ways of the Capitol to be of any real use to him here. If Seneca continued to question him on every decision concerning his Eternal or how he planned to oversee the realm, Peeta would have no choice but to send the vizier packing along with the nobles as soon as possible.

Clasping his hands behind his back, he strode to one of the stained glass windows in his chambers and looked out onto the trees that surrounded the castle. The sun had begun its descent for the day. Even through the array of colored glass, he could make out the pinks and yellows and orange that painted the sky. It was his favorite time of day, however, today he was counting down the hours and the minutes for darkness to arrive. The ceremony was set to begin within only a few more hours, and he was more than ready for it.

The anticipation of seeing his betrothed caused his aura to flicker to life again and pulse in time with the beating of his heart. He would never forget the moment he first saw her, with that proud, arrogant tilt of her head when she refused to bow to him. Despite her outlandish costume, which he had later discovered was all thanks to Lady Clove and her ridiculous scheme for attention, he was more than pleased with whom the goddesses had chosen for him. With her exotic complexion, dark hair, and grey eyes that burned him to the core…even if she was not his Eternal, he would still consider her the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

Winning her over would be a challenge, that was for certain. From what he did know about the Eternal bond, it could be seen as a blessing or a curse. The pretense of it was not born from want or free will, but rather necessity. The physical pull would sometimes be too strong to ignore, despite their feelings toward each other. How maddening it could be, distorting emotions with physical relief. A part of him raged against the idea of not having control over it, but he would be lying if he thought he did not feel…something more for his betrothed.

So he would have to earn her trust, her respect, and then one day, if he was lucky…her affection.

In the meantime, he would do whatever was in his power to keep her comfortable and happy. Seneca was right to believe that he was being indulgent to her, but how could he not? With all that his Eternal would give to him from this night forward, how could he not give back to her? All he hoped for today was that she would enter into their bond with an open mind. The rest would come with time, and they would work on that together.

A knock at the door had him frowning. What had Seneca forgotten now?

"Enter," he called out and turned towards the door.

But it was not his vizier who strode into the room, but rather Lady Glimmer. What made her think she could enter his chambers without an invitation?

Pressing his lips tight together, he inhaled an impatient breath. "Why are you here?"

She hesitated but then regarded him with a coy smile. "I have come to take the edge off before you are forced to bind yourself to that savage girl for the rest of your life. I am yours, my Lord, I hope you know that. Marriage or not, I am yours."

"You are mistaken then, for I have no need of you. I never have and I never will."

She hissed and stepped away. "What are you talking about? I thought…it was insinuated that we had an understanding. This marriage to that Seam brat is a farce, we all know it. Once the ceremony is done, stick your cock in her, put a child in her belly, and then return home…with me."

Peeta narrowed his eyes at the vapid woman. What absurd ideas had the King's primary mistress filled her head with? To presume they had any such understanding without consulting him first? Not that it mattered anymore. For no mistress would ever quench this thirst he felt deep in his belly, not when he had his Eternal.

Without answering, he moved past her towards the door. After opening it, he motioned for the woman to take her leave. "I will overlook this one incident, but best you watch yourself. That is my Eternal you speak of, and your future Princess. You would not want to anger the goddesses, would you?"

The withering look Lady Glimmer threw his way as she stormed past him was wasted for he didn't give a damn what she or anyone else thought. He may have slammed the door a little too hard behind her, but it could not be helped, given the irritation that coursed through him.

The court could think what they wanted of this marriage...farce or not. For him, it would be real. But selfishly, it was also his way out His Eternal would provide him an opportunity to escape the shackles of his duties to the Council and the Kingdom, and future reapings filled with insipid courtiers. He already knew there was no returning to the life he once had, which suited him just fine.

Another knock at the door had Peeta clenching his fists. If Lady Glimmer had returned to petition him again, he would make certain that Finnick had her tossed into a carriage and on her way back to the Capitol within the hour.

"Enter," he snapped.

His frown lifted at the sight of Lady Madge, her face cautious as she stepped into the room.

"Apologies, Your Highness, but I thought it prudent to come check on you. Lady Glimmer was optimistically boastful in the courtroom earlier about her plans to seek you out. But given the way she stomped down the hallway as I passed, it looks as though her plans did not go quite as she had expected?"

"No, they did not."

"Well then, I am glad of it," she said with a dip of her chin. Regarding him for a moment, she smiled. "You look rather handsome, Your Highness. I am certain your Eternal will be very pleased."

Peeta laughed under his breath. "Doubtful, but thank you for the sentiment nonetheless. Now, is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Yes, Sire, indeed there is." Lady Madge clasped her hands in front of her, looking rather uncertain. "After the wedding festivities have concluded, I wish to say here…in the realm."

That surprised him. "Does the Capitol court no longer hold your interest?"

She gave him a rueful smile. "You know very well that I have grown weary of that place. I much prefer it here. Since we arrived, I have become rather fascinated with the people of the Seam, their culture, and traditions. However, I am disappointed that not much was recorded in the archives. Much of what I have come to learn so far has been from mere observation."

"The same goes for me," he admitted, relieved to finally have someone in his court who shared his interest in the Twelfth Realm.

Although, he'd been lucky with the stableman from the Seam. Over the past few weeks, they'd shared several insightful conversations regarding the realm. Haymitch had been guarded at first with all his questions, but for whatever reason, the man had eventually opened up and Peeta was keen to absorb whatever information he could.

"Most of their traditions are passed down orally," he continued, "as most people of the Seam do not know how to read or write."

It was a matter that was high on his list of priorities to improve life in the Seam. To ensure they had the opportunity of an education beyond their own, should they want it. Most were struggling to meet the very basic needs for survival, and so he would do his part to help them, should they allow it.

"Regardless," he continued, "if it suits you, then I would be more than happy to have you stay. Now, besides Lady Glimmer's attempt towards my virtue, what news from the court? I have heard that certain nobles are still unwilling to accept my Eternal."

"Half the court is fascinated by her, the other half wants to be her, but all seem to fear her," she said with a chuckle.

"That would be because they do not understand her. Do I need to be worried that anyone would go so far as to pose a threat to her?"

Lady Madge turned silent, and he pursed his lips. "A physical threat, no. However, you know yourself that the courtiers are masters at maiming through petty ways. They prefer to attack their rival's confidence, chipping away at it little by little until nothing is left. None would openly disrespect her in front of you, but their subtle ways have the potential to do more harm than you may realize."

He knew her words to be all too true, which was why he would need all the help he could get to protect his Eternal. "Then I would ask a favor of you in return. Watch over my Eternal when I cannot, and be an ally to her should she need it."

"Of course, Your Highness," Lady Madge said with a genuine smile. "It would be my pleasure."

Eventually, darkness fell and the time for the ceremony had finally come. Once dressed in his ceremonial regalia, Peeta made his way to the throne room where the priests fussed over him until he could no longer bear it. After shooing them away, he took his place at the base of the dais to await his betrothed.

The room was buzzing with murmurs as the nobles milled about, filling in every available space within the room they could find. Seneca muttered something about inadequate seating behind him but Peeta was focused on the entrance to the room. Thankfully, he did not have to wait long. Peeta felt his world settle when he spotted Finnick position himself at the entrance—a knowing grin plastered across his friend's face.

The warmth of her presence reached him first, and then a hush befell the crowd as they parted, forming a clear path along the center of the room. He was robbed of his next breath, for standing before him, was his bride.

She was beautiful—radiant as the sun itself with her aura pulsing bright around her.

Swathed in the deep crimson dress that accentuated her olive complexion, he couldn't help but drink in the way the fabric caressed and flowed over her slight frame. Her dark hair was plaited in a single intricate braid that hung over her shoulder, gracing her bare neck in invitation. His Eternal looked nothing like the bride he imagined as a child and nothing like the ladies of court with their pale skin and made-up faces.

No, his bride out-shown them all.

As she began her approach, a hundred prayers filled the room, praising the goddesses for blessing their Prince with an Eternal. Despite the proud lift of her chin, he didn't miss the slight tremble of her body as she slowly strode towards him. His eyes never left hers though and when she finally reached his side, pride filled him and he swore her aura flickered a little brighter.

They turned to face each other and he peered down into her eyes. Where he'd expected to find fear and trepidation, there was a curious determination and if he wasn't mistaken, a hint of eagerness. And was that a flash of appreciation he felt rush through him? Before he could dwell on it, he held out both hands. There was no hesitation when she placed her hands in his, and he couldn't hold back his smile any longer.

Then looking at the Head Priest, Peeta nodded. The other priests surrounding them joined their voices in a low chant that reverberated throughout the room.

Lifting his hands, the man turned his attention to the heavens. "We gather here before the goddesses, to bear witness of the sacred union between our Prince of the Blood and his blessed—"

"Traitor!" someone bellowed from within the crowd. His spine stiffened the exact moment his Eternal's hands tensed within his.

"Seize that woman!" a guard yelled.

With a controlled turn of his head, Peeta spared a glance at the commotion unfolding at the back of the room. Although his heart thundered within his chest, he managed to keep calm, knowing full well that Finnick already had the situation in hand.

The woman in question was no more than an old crone, her wiry grey hair standing on end as she stabbed an accusing finger in their direction. He watched with contained anger as two guards grabbed her by each arm and dragged her away, the stunned crowd parting in their wake.

"You are a disgrace to the Seam!" she continued to shout, kicking and struggling with surprising force for an old woman. "He has murdered our sons and stolen our lands!"

Gritting his teeth, Peeta resisted the urge to hurry things up and remove the woman himself. What was taking them so long?

"I hope his prick is worth the lives of your people!"

The moment the doors shut with a heavy thunk that vibrated through the room, the crowd was alight with murmurs.

Turning his attention back to his betrothed, Peeta witnessed the horror that marred her pinched features. She'd released one of his hands to cover her face but he held tight to the other for fear of her letting go of him completely.

With a measured breath, he tamped down his fury as he always did. A moment later he found Finnick's eyes that were awaiting his decision.

Even if the tension between the Capitolites and the Seam did not exist, he would never condemn an old woman to death for speaking her mind about him, despite what Seneca would have him do, which was written all over his vizier's aghast face. But the woman had insulted his Eternal, whose hurt and embarrassment pulsed through his aura. He had to remain calm, even if the old woman's interruption would forever be a stain on their wedding day.

Eventually, he shook his head once, and Finnick nodded in return.

Peeta raised his free hand and the crowd finally settled. The priests had thankfully disregarded the commotion, their chanting still filling the room. He recaptured his bride's free hand and squeezed it to get her attention.

Once he held her eyes again, they were wide and glassy, as if unshed tears were threatening to leak from the corners. He felt her humiliation pulse through his aura once again, but as much as he wanted to comfort her, they had to complete the ceremony first. Only then could he reassure her.

"Pay no heed to the hateful words of that bitter woman, do you hear me?" he said, his voice just loud enough for her. It was a feat to keep his words calm and collected, but by the goddesses, he managed. "Shall we continue?"

She made a small sound, of dismay or agreement, he wasn't certain.

Peeta forced calm to flow through him, hoping she felt it within her aura. The uncertainly in her eyes receded and her shoulders relaxed. Assured that her emotions were under control, he looked to the Head Priest again and nodded.

The man began the ceremony once again, which was followed by an incantation in the old Panem language, bestowing upon them a fruitful union blessed with many daughters. A crimson ribbon was produced, and the flicker of recognition that passed through his Eternal's eyes made his heart clench.

When Peeta first heard of the wedding ritual during a conversation with Haymitch, he'd been fascinated. While a handful of priests protested when he'd approached them to incorporate the Seam ritual into the ceremony, he left no brook for argument. However, the Head Priest saw no reason to fight him on the matter and said he would take care of the rest.

After being directed to present their joined hands, so began the handfasting ritual as the priest wrapped the two ends of the ribbon around and around until he finally tied the ends together. The custom required they stay bound until midnight, but given their particular circumstance, it would not be a hardship to endure.

Each chanted word grew with intensity, as did the glow that surrounded them, growing brighter and brighter until it almost blinded her from his view. When the priest fell silent, he lifted their bound hands to the goddesses until the light softened to a warm, pulsing glow.

The room held in a collected breath as he lowered their hands, and then leaned in to close the space between them. The fire in her eyes had returned, whether born from fear or eagerness, he wasn't certain. She too leaned forward, tilting her face upwards towards him as though expecting a kiss. For a moment, guilt filled him. Had no one informed her of what to expect?

When he reached up with his free hand and wrapped it around the base of her neck, her eyes narrowed. But she stilled as his thumb brushed across the pulse point at her throat. The smooth expanse of skin called to him in a way he'd never before felt, and with a barely contained breath he pressed his lips to the side of her throat. Unable to help himself, the tip of his tongue slid along her delicate skin, tasting her in a most intimate way. Salt and honey, and what he could only describe as sunlight itself, filled his senses.

Peeta felt, rather than heard her quiet whimper and his body stirred in response. Not here, now was not the time. With deep regret, he pulled away, catching the bewildered look on her face as though she too was battling the effect of his touch.

Turning to the court, he raised their bound hands once more and the crowd burst out into a raucous display of cheers and applause.

It was finally done. They were married.

Author's Note: A few of you have been waiting for a Peeta POV to see what's going on from his perspective and well, he's got a lot on is plate with figuring things out for himself! I'm sure there are still questions and maybe even more now but I promise, all will be revealed soon and Katniss will start getting some answers. For all of those still with me for this journey, thank you for reading and all the lovely comments, they really do make my day!

Thank you to the wonderful Louezem for pre-reading this chapter! Any you find are all mine.

Hope you enjoyed this one, and if you did, I'd love to hear from you!

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