Chapter 1

The sun set over the horizon, casting warm rays of light over the primitive village. Tall trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, their leaves rustling softly, creating a soothing symphony with the chirping of birds settling in for the night.

The village was a cluster of thatched huts, their conical roofs made of dried reeds and grasses, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. The clusters made a crescent shape around the large pond in the centre, with branches leading out to large rivers. At the centre of the pond, the largest cluster was set up. This cluster belonged to the chief and his family. And from that cluster came the sound of fighting.

Azul was thrown violently against the wooden floors of the hut. Her father, a beast of a man, towered over her, dressed for the banquet that night. A wolf fur cloak was attached to his shoulders, and on his head, a regal feathered crown. His neck was adorned with a necklace of small skulls, and his animal skin skirt was made of wolf skin.

"Do not embarrass me this evening. Get ready for the banquet," he said harshly before leaving the hut. Azul cried bitterly, feeling sorry for herself.

Having to sell your daughters off was shameful, but what choice did the chief have? There were increasing numbers of threats on all sides, and the only way to ward them off was a contract marriage with a more powerful tribe. If Azul married into that tribe, she would have food, shelter, and protection even if her father's tribe was destroyed. He had no choice; this was the best way forward.

Azul, however, decided she would rather die than leave her tribe to be wed to another.

And that was how her body was inherited by another.

The sounds of the village outside carried on, the distant laughter of children playing and the murmurs of adults preparing for the evening festivities a stark contrast to the turmoil inside the chief's hut.

The hut was dimly lit by a single torch flickering against the wall, casting long shadows that danced menacingly. The walls were adorned with trophies of the hunt—animal skins, bones, and weapons—each a testament to the chief's prowess and ruthlessness.

Azul woke up and took in her new surroundings, registering new memories.

"Status?"

A small white snake slithered out of her hair.

[Healthy... Malnourished]

It hissed.

"What's going on with the banquet? She was a bit scared, so her memories are in pieces."

[Meeting her fiancé.... He has a fierce reputation.]

"Is he a good person? A bad person? Lots of wives?" she asked.

[No wives... scary face.]

She could deal with that; it wasn't the worst situation she could be in.

"Thank you."

The system nodded before slithering itself around her neck. Marianne, no, Azul preferred it took this form for simulations.

Azul pushed herself up, brushing off the dust from her simple dress. The air inside the hut was heavy with the scent of animal hides and dried herbs. As she stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted her, carrying the scents of cooking fires and the sounds of the village preparing for the banquet.

Azul made her way toward the central fire, where the banquet would be held. An artificial firepit had to be built since they were in the centre of a pond. Her father's imposing figure was already there, mingling with the tribe's elders and warriors.

She spotted the delegation from the other tribe, their clothing marking them as outsiders. Among them was her fiancé, standing tall and imposing. Draped in dark, flowing fabrics and intricate golden ornaments, chains of gold and red jewels hung from his shoulders and chest, catching the flickering light and adding to his ominous appearance. A black veil partially covered his face, leaving his intense, blue eyes visible—eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone who met his gaze.

The left side of his face bore a visible scar, a deep, jagged line that ran from his temple to his jaw, a sign of the battles he had faced. His long, dark hair fell in loose waves around his shoulders, with a few strands braided and decorated with small beads and feathers. The tattoos on his upper body were intricate and tribal, symbols of his heritage and rank, adding to his intimidating look.

As Azul observed him, the small white snake around her neck tightened slightly, sensing her mixed emotions.

This was the man she killed herself not to marry? How lucky! He was just her type!

Her father approached the man and as they talked, he glanced at her. Her father beckoned her to introduce her to him.

Taking a deep breath, Azul walked towards them, her heart pounding in her chest. As she drew closer, her father's stern gaze softened slightly, an unusual display of emotion. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder and addressed Ragnar.

"Ragnar, this is my daughter, Azul," her father said, his voice a mix of pride and formality. "She is ready to fulfil her duty to both our tribes."

Ragnar's piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. He studied her with an intensity that made her feel both exposed and understood. The scar on his face did not detract from his handsomeness; instead, it added a rugged, battle-hardened charm. She did not flinch, he was obviously testing her. 

"Azul," Ragnar said, his voice deep and resonant, "I am honoured to meet you." His words were respectful, but his eyes conveyed a depth of curiosity and perhaps even admiration.

"I am honoured to meet you too," she replied awkwardly. If the snake could roll it's eyes, it would. Why was she so awkward, you might ask? Well, this was her first time with a system! So she was still getting used to things. 

"Tomorrow she will leave with you and your tribe; I want you to understand Azul is my only daughter and so her safety, which I have protected till now, is in your hands," her father said, his voice surprisingly emotional. Azul felt a pang of sadness; the memories in her head were full of happiness, and Azul did love her father deeply.

"Naturally, as my wife, she will be protected with my life," Ragnar emphasized.

"Then I will leave the both of you to get acquainted. Azul, go back after a while; you need to wake up early."

"Yes, father," Azul said respectfully.

As her father walked away, Ragnar turned to her. "You are quite plucky for a woman. You can look at my face and not flinch; you must be a decent wife," he said as if it was a matter of fact.

"The women in my tribe are all like me. We are brought up to be strong-willed, fearless, and stubborn. Understand this is what you are getting into."

He smirked under his black veil. "Then you will be strong-willed, fearless, and stubborn for the Valthorn Clan. As the mother of all, you are the only one aside from me who has the right to decide the lives of our people."

He talked as if it were a matter of fact, and it made her surprisingly enthralled by his words.

"You are rather charming, Ragnar. Why did you have to force me into a marriage? If you pursued me earnestly, I would have said yes."

He laughed as if she had said something ridiculous. "When I first saw you, you ran away with your tail between your legs. Truly, I must not marry you, but your father insisted you would not die of fear after seeing my face."

"Then, should I see your face?" she asked, lifting her hand. He grasped her hand, his eyes narrowing.

"After our marriage, you will be able to."

He let go of her arm. She thought he was probably scared she would run away or kill herself if she saw his face. He probably didn't know she could see his entire face on the system anyway.

[Ragnar.. The Valthorn clan chief] the snake spoke.

[25 years old.. Healthy.]

"It's fine, I will see it on our wedding night," Azul said, her voice carrying a note of finality.

Ragnar's eyes softened slightly, and he nodded. "Until then, Azul. Sleep safely through the night."

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The morning came quickly; by the time Azul woke up, the first light of dawn was already filtering through the small cracks in the walls of her hut. She moved with purpose, washing herself with the cool water from the clay basin and then dressed in a simple but finely woven dress, the best she owned, and tied her hair back with a strip of leather. She put on layers of fine bone necklaces and bracelets. She decorated her bun with beautiful feathers, her system wrapping around her neck as she prepared herself. 

She was not allowed to take anything but the clothes on her back. Women of her tribe often made gold bracelets for safekeeping, and she was no different. She took one last look around the hut that had been Azul's home, the place where she had grown up, and steeled herself for what was to come.

As she stepped outside, the early morning air was crisp, filled with the sounds of birds beginning their day. The village was already awake; everyone gathered to see her off. Her heart tightened at the sight of her younger siblings and her stepmother standing in a small cluster near the edge of the village. Her siblings' eyes were wide and tearful, their small faces etched with confusion and sadness. They were all too young to remember her when they were older, a thought that pained her heart deeply. 

"You really loved your family, huh?" Azul muttered to herself and forced a smile despite the uncomfortable emotions in her heart. 

Her father stood nearby, his posture strong but his eyes betraying the heavy heart within. He had always been a pillar of strength, and now, as she prepared to leave, Azul saw the vulnerability in him for the first time.

She walked over to her father, her steps slow and deliberate. When she reached him, she threw her arms around him, feeling the familiar, comforting solidity of his embrace.

"I love you, Father," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. This was for Azul, may she rest in peace. 

He hugged her tightly, his large hand gently patting her back. "Make me proud, Azul," he said, his voice rough but filled with love and pride. 

With a final squeeze, she pulled away and turned towards Ragnar, who waited for her with a majestic black horse. The horse was a symbol of wealth and status, its coat gleaming in the morning light. Ragnar stood beside it, his imposing figure a stark contrast to the tender scene she had just left.

Azul walked over to him, her back straight and her resolve firm. Ragnar helped her mount the horse, his touch steady and reassuring.

She looked back one last time, her eyes lingering on her siblings and stepmother, then on her father. She etched their faces into her mind; she would forever remember them. The entire village had gathered, in honour of their princess.

With a deep breath, she nodded to Ragnar, and together they started their journey. The village watched in silence as she rode away, the black horse carrying her towards an unknown future. As the distance between her and her home grew, Azul felt a tear slip down her cheek. She wiped it away, focusing on the path ahead.

"You can cry if you want." Ragnar said loud enough so only she could hear. 

"Today is a joyous day, I will not cry."