To protect you from a terrible fate

When you enter the throne room, you are surprised to see no guards. It is just you and the king. It makes your stomach sink. Whatever he's planning, he doesn't want anyone to know about you. You cling to the knowledge that he can't afford to have you killed after all you've done. Head held high, you approach the king before moving into a bow. "The guards inform me you wish to speak with me?"

The king nods, a solemn look in his eyes. It makes the dread grow stronger and your faith wavers. What had happened to make him look at you like that?

"You have done my kingdom a great service." he starts, "Not only have you worked tirelessly to save my heir, you captured his attempted killer and gave him something I never truly could. For that, I am forever grateful. I am truly in your debt."

"It was my pleasure, your majesty." you say, "There is no debt to be repaid."

He sighs. "Except there is one. The attacker was sent by your father and he got word back to the Ancient Forests. I fear that your help has put a bounty on your head."

Your heart stops at his word. "A bounty?" you ask, voice tinged with fear.

"Your father has declared you a traitor. He's offered anyone who can bring you back, dead or alive, a mighty sum and a fair amount of land. My guards have already intercepted two separate attackers within the last few hours. I fear that I can't let you leave the Fresh Pines, Prince Forrest. I cannot guarantee your safety if you do."

Despite your best attempts to be strong, your legs give way. Forgoing the usual decorum, the king rushes to your side. "You must remain calm, my prince." he says, "I think I have a way to keep you safe. Please, trust me enough to do so."

It takes a few minutes for you to respond, but eventually you nod your head. While you do not know the king well, you do know he is loyal and worthy of your trust. You stumble back to your feet, but the king keeps a firm grip on you in case you fall again. "Please." you whisper, tears welling up in your eyes, "I don't want to die. I will do anything to avoid such a fate."

"Marry me."

Again, your brain stops and you almost collapse again. The King of the Fresh Pines, the one who vowed to never marry again after the **** of his husband, is asking you to marry him. To stop you from being killed by your own father. It makes sense, in a twisted sort of way. Marrying Aster would make you consort. Any attempt on your life as consort would be a declaration of war. Your father cannot afford that, not with the growing tensions. Not that the news of his attempted **** of another prince would go over well, you don't think it can be kept a secret for long. This is an extra layer of protection for you.

Slowly, you turn to the king. He's clearly worried about you. That, combined with how much you love his son, is what makes up your mind. "Yes." you say, voice trembling, "If... If you are okay with it, I will marry you."

He gives a soft sigh of relief, as if expecting you to turn down his offer. Again he helps you to your feet. "Then come along." he says, "The faster we get through this, the safer you will be. I promise my prince, you will be well cared for and loved as best as I can manage."

You don't get a chance to say anything before you are lead to another room. Inside were three fauns, one to officiate your marriage and two witnesses. As you walk in, three guards take position in front of the door. No one gets in, no one gets out.

It's over before you know it, not that you're paying much attention. You think you hear Aster promise you a real wedding when it is safe to do so, but you're unsure if that is what was said. All you want to do is curl into a ball and cry. Your wedding day was supposed to be a happy, loving affair, not a rush to save your life.

By the time night falls, you are now consort to King Aster. He doesn't **** anything on you afterwards thankfully. That night, you fall asleep in his bed, Sorrel joining you after a few moments. The king is wide awake, watching. Nothing is getting to you. Not tonight.