I'm Not Gonna Sugarcoat It

Lyric took a deep breath, looking at Tiberius with a mixture of uncertainty and newfound fondness. The weight of the arranged marriage and her family's expectations pressed heavily on her, but she couldn't ignore the connection that had begun to form between them.

Tiberius, she began softly, I appreciate your offer, truly. I know this arrangement has been difficult for both of us, and you've shown me more kindness and understanding than I expected. The wound wasn’t entirely healed, but her mana reserve was low, she was weak from having to fight the darkspawn, but it was healed enough to throw on some herbs and a bandage, something that Lyric was also skilled at.

She hesitated, gathering her thoughts. Running away might seem like an easy solution, but I can't ignore the responsibilities I have to my family. She hesitated again, he would probably think the family she was speaking of was her parents and brother, not her lover and daughter. Her hesitation was probably rather obvious, like there was something she wasn’t saying.

@Tiberius Umbra